- Notable increase in Influenza A – H1NI (swine flu) cases in SVG
- SVG To Offer Influenza Vaccine to At-Risk Groups as Swine Flu Cases Rise
As the number of swine flu cases on the island rises, health officials in St Vincent are preparing to introduce the influenza vaccine as part of their protective measures.
The MOHWE surveillance committee stated that there was a significant increase in Influenza A-H1NI (swine flu) cases in SVG from December 25th, 2023 to January 6th, 2024, with thirty-two (32) laboratory-confirmed cases.
On NBC radio on Friday, January 12, Roger Duncan, Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, stated that influenza vaccines are not routinely administered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; however, this is something that would be implemented soon.
“The routine influenza vaccine is not given in SVG, and that is something that we plan to introduce very shortly and that we would offer because of the limited quantities to people who are most at risk for severe disease.”
Duncan said that adults over the age of 65 who have a variety of ailments should take extra precautions.
“Those over 65 or people who have chronic illnesses, chronic kidney failure, diabetes, people who have cancer, people who are asthmatic, and pregnant women, and protecting yourselves is done similarly to what was done during the pandemic. Wash your hands, keep your distance, wear your mask, and, where possible, get vaccinated”, Duncan said.
In a statement issued on January 11, the Ministry of Health recommended the public to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from infectious diseases such as COVID-19, dengue fever, leptospirosis, and influenza viruses such as Influenza A-H1NI (swine flu).
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are highly contagious respiratory viral diseases that can produce severe sickness with life-threatening consequences. They commonly affect people of all ages and can spread by coughing or sneezing when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Some symptoms
are:
high fever (38 °C or more)
dry cough
sore throat
body aches and fatigue.
Other symptoms include chills, aches behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
