Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) advises to be proactive to reduce risk of catching the flu2/23/2018 The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is urging residents to practice good personal hygiene in order to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses.
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that affects thousands of people in the Caribbean each year. Typically, the flu season in the region occurs between September to March when there is usually an increase in the number of persons coming down with the flu in the northern hemisphere. Flu is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and runny nose. Most people recover from symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention but influenza can cause severe illness or death in people at high risk. Dr C. James Hospedales, CARPHA executive director, explained that the primary form of influenza transmission is through interpersonal contact. He added that large social events like carnival, festivals and concerts can create serious public health challenges because persons are often crowded together, sharing personal space and common areas.
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