HSA issues warning over increase in flu cases

| 04/01/2018 | 25 Comments

(CNS): The Public Health Department says it is monitoring an increase in the incidences of flu cases among residents. Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, Director of Primary Healthcare and Acting Medical Officer of Health, revealed that the hospital saw an increase in numbers over the last two months from the usual number of reported cases at this time of year, with a 16% jump in November and a 33% increase last month.

“Usually there are 95-115 cases of influenza seen weekly at the Health Services Authority facilities,” he said. “During the month of November we noted a marked increase in flu activity, averaging 137 cases per week, and as of week ending 23 December the average increased to 172 cases per week. As we are in the midst of the flu season, we expect to see a further increase in activity as the season peaks.”

He encouraged people to get vaccinated against the flu virus as soon as possible, given that Cayman is in the peak of the flu season and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease.

Dr Williams said that the HSA has antiviral drugs available for treatment but also urged people to help cut the spread of flu by practicing good respiratory and general hygiene, staying home from work and school when ill, and staying away from people who are sick.

Free flu shots are still available at the General Practice Clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital, and all district health centres from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Residents on Cayman Brac should contact Faith Hospital to make an appointment at 948-2243, and residents of Little Cayman should call the clinic on 948-0072.

For more information, call the Public Health Department on 244-2621.

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Comments (25)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    This flu was around from 2016. It can last for months giving you pneumonia and Bronchitis, even asthma. Ive had it for one month and it is terrible. I took different home remedies and also different Doctors. However since one week My cousin brought me a bottle of Ferrol Expectorant. I took it right away as nothing was helping and I have not seen a more affective medicine. By that night I could sleep right through the night, and was not having a continuous runny nose. It is made in Guiana and was purchased locally from McRuss on Eastern Avenue. I tried a few places as I wanted another for me and a few others to give around but don’t seem to be in other places.I must stop now but with the Elderly and kids every effort should be made that they don’t pick it up.

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    • Anonymous says:

      When I arrived to grand Cayman I had the most terrible caugh for close a month, nothing was helping. I went to a pharmacy and asked them for something I haven’t tried yet. Don’t remember what was it, but it was something with codein and was sold without prescription. In 2 days I got my life back. In my home country caugh medicine with codein is also sold without prescription.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Why would anybody ‘thumbs-down’ regarding somebody thanking a pharmacy for getting their health back on track?? My Wife and I have had this wicked Flu since New Year’s Eve terrible Coughs etc, Chest congestions etc and we’re just getting ‘out of the woods’ … and took pharmacy Meds …… and as the poster (4.49pm) says ‘got their life back’. Coughs declining, chest clearing etc…. – nothing to ‘thumbs-down’ at !!! Buckleys et al…all the way..

  2. Anonymous says:

    Each of us need to rebuild our immune system, to do this we must rebuild our gut. Begin consuming good Probiotics and healthy essential enzymes.

    A major issue in current society is Candida Albicans in our gut, becoming leaky and systematic infection can go un-checked for years!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Just don’t waste money on probiotic yoghurts or supplements. These are a waste of time and the equivalent of dropping an eyedrop into the ocean.

    • Anonymous says:

      All diseases start in your gut. That is correct. Yogurt is no better than a sugary water. There is more to the picture than probiotics when it comes to the gut health.

  3. West bay Premier says:

    Can anyone say scientifically what are in the ingredients for the flu vaccine? And what is the after effects and results of the vaccine ?

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    • Anonymous says:

      1. Deactivated Virus
      2. Immunity from the real thing.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Flu Strain A/(Michigan) (H1N1)
      Flu Strain A/(Hong Kong) (H3N2)
      Flu Strain B/(Brisbane)
      Flu Strain B/(Phuket)
      Formaldehyde
      Aluminum Salts
      Gelatin
      Thimerosal
      Chicken Egg Proteins
      Antibiotics

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      • Anonymous says:

        you get more formaldehyde in your body after a few drinks, as the alcohol is broken down to formaldehyde as it is metabolised.

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    • West bay Premier says:

      You thumb downers who thinks that my questions don’t make sense, you go on and keep getting the flu shots and let that vaccine take control of your immune system.

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    • Anonymous says:

      › Many flu vaccines are made by growing the viruses inside fertilized chicken eggs. This means that they contain a small amount of egg protein. A newer version of the vaccine, called Flucelvax, is grown in animal cells instead.

      › Preservatives-thimerosal to prevent dangerous bacteria and fungi from getting into the vial with each use. Thimerosal contains mercury, which can be toxic in large doses. Thimerosal-free versions of the flu vaccine are available.

      › Stabilizers- Sucrose, sorbitol, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Sucrose is the same table sugar you spoon into coffee and sprinkle on berries. Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener that’s also found in chewing gum. MSG is a flavor enhancer.

      › Antibiotics – Neomycin, gentamicin, and other antibiotics are added to vaccines in very small amounts. They stop bacteria from contaminating the vaccine.

      › Polysorbate 80-keeps all the ingredients evenly distributed. Though large doses can cause some people to have reactions, the amount in the flu vaccine is very small.

      › Formaldehyde- a compound found in household products from glues and other adhesives to pressed-wood furniture. Formaldehyde is a gas that is soluble in water. It’s used in the flu vaccine to inactivate influenza virus. according to the CDC, most formaldehyde used in producing a vaccine undergoes removal from the vaccine solution before being packaged to be sent to doctors and pharmacies. The level of formaldehyde that remains in a vaccine (such as the flu vaccine) is much lower than the amount that occurs naturally in the human body.

      • Anonymous says:

        Forgot to add that aluminum in vaccines is more dangerous than mercury, it is a brain toxin. “Rigorous and replicable studies (in different animal species) have shown evidence of ethylmercury, and of aluminum toxicities. More research attention has been given to ethylmercury and findings have showed a solid link with neurotoxic effects in humans; however, the potential synergic effect of BOTH toxic agents has NOT been properly studied.
        Early life exposure to both ethylmercury and Aluminum deserves due consideration.”

        Source:US National Library of Medicine
        National Institutes of Health,Published online 2015 Jan 23,by José G. Dórea
        Paul B. Tchounwou, Academic Editor

        • Anonymous says:

          I assume you don’t use spray deodorant then, because the primary ingredient is aluminium oxide. Note the “i”. That is not just because of US v English issues, the vast majority scientists in the US use the correct “aluminium” spelling too. “Aluminum” is lazy and incorrect.

      • Anonymous says:

        Stop drinking Cool drinks (sodas) and eating fast food and drink fruit jucies and eating right and you won’t get colds/flues.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Clearly you have a great understanding of microbiology and human anatomy. Where did you get your degree? Trump University perhaps, anyone with sense will disregard this comment.

          Next you are going to say that sickness is caused by bad air that the answer lies within the body’s humors

    • Anonymous says:

      Whisky. A good time and no regrets.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Christ, I thought you were slightly reasonable but you’re an anti-vaxxer,

      I will say this only once, if you do not vaccinate your children not only are you putting your children and your family at risk but anyone who comes into contact with your children including classmates, family members, and the general public

      If someone dies due to a preventable disease or outbreak you will be held liable, whether here on this mortal plane or in whatever afterlife you believe in and you may not be held responsible in court, but if my child was endangered due to your stupidity honestly you’d have to lock me up cause I would be livid

      If you don’t believe in modern medicine please feel free to separate yourself from the modern world and live in a cave where you can dictate what is and is not safe while not endangering others

      Parents can be very volatile especially when their children are endanger I would suggest against putting yourself in the position to be blamed for an outbreak

      Look at any number of the stories and testimonies from parents who have lost children due to anti-vaxxing beliefs or an aversion to modern treatments

      Herd Immunity is real ( look at polio and other such eradicated diseases)
      If your smart answer is ” I didn’t get the vaccine and I don’t have *insert disease or condition here” it is because the rest of us took the vaccine and lowered the risk of you getting it by association.

      The more and more people stop getting vaccinated the more likely it is for a major outbreak ( look at the measles outbreak in Minnesota, just last year)

      Thanks
      – The General Public

  4. Observer says:

    If people would stay at home when they have this flu it would help

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    • Anonymous says:

      If employers didn’t give them such a hard time for doing just that it would help.

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    • anonymous says:

      Absolutely agree. I have met so many thoughtless people over the years who unnecessarily interact with others when they know they are sick with the flu . Stay home or wear a mask over your mouth if you must go out. Lots people don’t realise that the flu is a serious illness and can be very sickening and even fatal for some. Unfortunately the one time I took the vaccine I had a severe reaction and was advised by my doctor to never take it again but thankfully I have never had the flu in over ten years. Basic daily personal health practises is vital. I learned one from my doctor few years ago flush out sinuses daily, for me tap water works fine .

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  5. Anonymous says:

    I opened the window and in flu Enza

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