As the reach of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) expands subtly around the world, the local Ministry of Health has put all relevant measures in place as part of its surveillance campaign.According to Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, since the initial detection of the disease in Mexico, the United States and subsequently in Brazil, the Ministry has been on alert, adding that the efforts have been boosted with the recent detection of a case in Trinidad.Minister Ramsammy, disclosed that surveillance teams have been dispatched to the airport and at the country’s borders. He added that every case of influenza that is detected at public medical institutions is being reported to and monitored closely by the Ministry.The Ministry is also working along with the private medical facilities, the Minister added, pointing out that the private, just like the public hospitals, have to report to the Ministry all cases of influenza.“We are doing everything that Mexico has done when it comes to the detection of the disease.”Additionally, the Ministry has embarked on a public awareness campaign for the prevention of the disease.However, Dr Ramsammy said that the Ministry has plans in place should there be a detection of the disease here. He said that the Ministry already has the capability to isolate patients. It also has treatment in place for at least 10,000 persons.Research suggests that the 2009 swine flu outbreak in humans, is due to a new strain of influenza ‘A’ virus subtype H1N1, that contains genes closely related to the swine influenza. While the origin of the new strain remains unknown, it has been established that it can be transmitted from human to human who cough or sneeze.The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.Persons can take precaution by covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze; wash their hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers. The use of masks and gloves can help prevent the spread of infection as well.Avoiding people that are infected is also highly recommended by the World Health Organisation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Currently, in countries where persons are being investigated as a possible cases of swine flu, (which means they meet the epidemiological criteria and have symptoms), or have been confirmed with the infection will be offered anti-virals and will be asked to stay at home and limit their contact with other people.Where anti-virals are prescribed, it is important that the specified course of treatment is followed and completed, even though in some cases this medication may cause nausea.It is also important for parents and schools to be vigilant and take prompt action if children who have travelled abroad show flu-like symptoms.It is recommended that travelers who become ill while on holiday,MLB Jerseys From China, on the flight home, or on their return, continue to be aware of the risk of swine flu.Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms during a stay in a country affected by swine flu, should contact a health professional and inform them of their symptoms as soon as possible.
