Castries, Saint Lucia: The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs in Saint Lucia through routine surveillance has noted an increase in the number of individuals presenting with flu-like symptoms. The increase is observed both in visits to the emergency departments and hospital admissions.
This is particularly true for children less than 5 years of age.
The Surveillance systems have been able to identify Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Influenza type A as the two most common viral infections at this time. We have also noted that RSV has been identified in the majority of samples tested.
RSV is a highly infectious and common respiratory infection which mostly affects young children but can also occur in adults.
Although RSV symptoms are usually mild, some people are at a higher risk for developing more severe illness and hospitalization especially:
- Infants (0 – 12 months)
- older persons (65 years of age or older)
- individuals who are immunocompromised
- individuals with chronic heart or lung disease
Similar to other respiratory viruses, symptoms of RSV infection include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, decreased appetite, and wheezing. In very young infants, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
Similar to other respiratory viruses, RSV is spread through:
- large droplets when someone coughs or sneezes
- touching a surface or object that has been contaminated with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
There are currently no vaccines available for RSV in Saint Lucia. The public is encouraged to stop the spread of respiratory illnesses by:
- maintaining proper hand hygiene,
- covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing,
- washing hands thoroughly after coughing or sneezing,
- wearing a mask where possible in crowded places,
- avoiding sharing cups and utensils,
- avoiding close contact with others who are sick,
- cleaning surfaces and objects such as toys using a household detergent, especially if they have been sneezed upon
- not attending work or sending sick children to school or daycare centers until they are better,
- avoiding contact with people at higher risk of severe illness such as infants, older people and those who are immunocompromised until you feel better,
- consulting a healthcare professional if flu-like symptoms linger or worsen.
The Ministry of Health reminded the general public that they are presently in the flu season which runs from October to March and as such, would like to encourage everyone to take the necessary measures to avoid getting infected.
The Ministry of Health has expressed their gratitude for their usual cooperation in helping keep Saint Lucia safe and healthy