As it nears the flu season in Jamaica, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is urging members of the public to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their families safe during the holiday season.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness is reminding the public that as we come to the end of the year, where many countries go into the winter season and where in Jamaica it becomes cooler, there is an expected increase in the circulation of respiratory viruses and an increase in persons seeking medical care,” the health ministry said in a statement on Monday, November 27.

It further stressed that there is already overcrowding in hospital emergency departments due to the dengue outbreak and the rise in cases due to trauma and uncontrolled chronic diseases, including mental health illnesses associated with the holiday season.

Persons who visit healthcare facilities are also being reminded that there is still a mask policy in force.

“It is critical at this time that everyone plays a part in reducing illness, as persons with chronic diseases are especially at risk for poor outcomes from respiratory infections,” the MOHW added.

Here are a few tips from the Ministry of Health on how to minimise contracting the flu:

• Practise healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet, exercise, and adequate rest.
• Take medications regularly and keeping appointments for regular check-ups and necessary investigations.
• Pay attention to situations that can lead to interpersonal violence and to avoid or de-escalate conflicts.
• Take precautions on the roads to avoid accidents or injuries such as not drinking or using any substance that will affect mental status while driving, wearing seat belts and adhering to the rules of the road.
• Take precautions to prevent respiratory illnesses such as getting the flu vaccine, wearing masks where appropriate including crowded situations, or when having any respiratory symptoms, staying home if ill, seeking medical care early if symptoms are severe or persistent, and wash and sanitize hands frequently.