HEALTH OFFICIALS yesterday urged Jamaicans to be on alert, especially where young children and the elderly are concerned, following increased reports of symptoms associated with the flu and other respiratory tract infections.
In a release, the Health Ministry said its surveillance reports show that there was an increase in cases of respiratory tract infections in the last three months in both the private and public health sectors.
"In most clinics and hospital casualty departments across Jamaica, respiratory infections in September showed a 50 per cent increase over August and in October there was a 60 per cent increase over September," the statement said. It noted that increases in the flu-like illness are usually expected in the cooler months from September through to March.
PNEUMONIA CASES INCREASE
It noted that hospitals have seen and admitted an increased number of persons having pneumonia.
The casualty department of the Bustamante Hospital for Children recorded 1,090 cases of upper respiratory illness in September, 2003 compared to 552 in September, 2002 and 1,863 cases in October, 2003 compared with 938 in October, 2002.
The Ministry has warned persons to be on their guard as Christmas approaches, a season which results in frequent travel between the United States, which has recorded high levels of flu-like cases, and Jamaica.
"The expected increase in the coming weeks is likely to result in more persons entering Jamaica with influenza. Data will be collected from clinics, private physicians and hospitals and the public will be kept informed of any new developments," the Ministry statement advised.
It said persons affected by respiratory infections may have fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. It said persons having these symptoms should get rest, plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter medication to relieve the symptoms. Special care should be taken with very young children and aspirin should not be given to children, the Ministry said.
