Castries, Saint Lucia: The Saint Lucia Ministry of Health, wellness and Elderly Affairs has observed a slight increase in the number of individuals affected with flu-like symptoms.Â
The Ministry issued a warning highlighting that Saint Lucia is currently in flu season, which runs from October to March. They urged the residents to take necessary precautions to avoid getting infected, saving themselves and their loved ones from the flu.Â
The alert was raised after an increase in visits to emergency departments and hospital admissions was recorded. Children less than five years of age are mostly affected.Â
The Saint Lucia Ministry of Health announced that their Surveillance systems have identified a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Influenza type A viruses spreading across the island. Both are the most common viral infections.Â
The majority of samples taken from affected people are mostly infected with RSV.Â
RSV is a highly transmitted respiratory infection that primarily affects young children but also causes similar effects in adults.Â
The virus is usually mild, but some people are at higher risk of developing a more severe illness. It is necessary to take vital precautions to avoid severe infection and hospitalization.Â
Like other respiratory viruses, the symptoms of RSV infection include coughing, runny nose, fever, decreased appetite, and wheezing.Â
In children below five years, the only symptoms are decreased activity, irritability and breathing difficulties. An individual observing these changes in their infants must immediately consult a physician or child specialist.Â
The Ministry declares that currently, there are no vaccines available for RSV in Saint Lucia. That is why the residents are urged to stop the spread by following methods-
- Maintain proper hygiene
- Wash your hands regularly
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Wear mask in crowded places
- Avoid sharing cups and utensils
- Avoid close contact with infected persons
- Keep your children at home if they are infected
- Consult a healthcare or physician if flu-like symptoms linger or worsen
The Health Ministry also appreciated the efforts of every Saint Lucian for their cooperation in assisting the government in keeping Saint Lucia safe and healthy.