The Ministry of Health reminds members of the public to take personal health precautions to protect themselves and their families from the Influenza virus and other diseases.
This is the first line of defence against sickness.
Members of the public are advised to take the following personal health precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
- Where possible, avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the bin and wash your hands.
People in the following groups are particularly vulnerable to the flu and the relevant complications:
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Adults over 65
- People with chronic medical conditions (such as Diabetes Mellitus)
- People with chronic respiratory illnesses (such as Asthma)
It is also recommended that persons in the health care workforce and essential services should take necessary the precautions.
Influenza is a serious illness that is generally more severe than the common cold and can be fatal. It is therefore crucial that everyone takes the necessary steps to safeguard their health.
The seasonal influenza vaccine is also another form of defence against the flu. Doses of the New 2020 influenza vaccine have been sourced through the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). The Ministry of Health has received official correspondence from PAHO indicating that the vaccines will arrive in Trinidad and Tobago on November 4, 2019.
After vaccination, individuals should still take preventative measures, as they help to reduce the spread of diseases.
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