Clinic opens for flu, prep for coronavirus
(CNS): There are still no reported cases of coronovirus in Cayman, the latest respiratory flu-like illness now sweeping the globe, but the Cayman Islands Hospital is already dealing with an increase in seasonal flu patients and has taken the step of opening a designated clinic at the George Town General Practice Clinic. This will help manage existing flu patients and provide an area that can deal more effectively with suspected or real case of the novel coronavirus.
Officials from the HSA noted that it is currently peak flu season and there are more than usual cases of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms.
“Flu-like cases in Grand Cayman are on the increase, which is normal during this time of the year,” said Director of Primary Health Care Dr Samuel Williams. “The period between December and March is usually the peak of the flu season when the highest numbers of flu cases are reported.”
Dr Williams confirmed that the Cayman Islands does not have any recorded cases of coronavirus and encourages all residents to practice infection control measures to prevent the spread of flu in general. Information signs, face masks and hand sanitizer have been placed at the entrance of all clinics for use by patients that are experiencing any flu-like symptoms. But the doctor said the best protection against flu is to get vaccinated.
Shots are available at the George Town General Practice Clinic, all district health centres, Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman Clinic.
Meanwhile the new flu clinic at the George Town hospital will operate from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, with a dedicated physician.
All residents are encouraged to practice infection control measures to prevent the spread of flu, such as frequent hand cleansing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering nose and mouth with tissue or a flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
Click here for the Public Health Department Coronavirus Fact Sheet, which serves as a quick reference guide and common questions regarding Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), or visit the HSA website here
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Category: Health, Medical Health
This increase in flu cases is also reflected in the stats coming out of the UK and the USA. In the UK, A&E units are reporting four times the normal level levels and the last report I saw from the USA was quoting over 10,000 flu-related deaths. It’s a bad year.
Where/when can we get a flu vaccine without having to wade through a hallway of sick people?
First, make sure vaccine matches the current virus.
Not sure why people go to doctors with flu, home remedies is all you can do, unless there are complications.
There are at least a dozen types of Coronavirus and thousands of sequences of flu filed with GenBank. Getting an annual flu shot is important as it inoculates against the “greatest hits” from previous season. This is important protection when you consider that coming down with any type of illness/fever is going to bar you from travel in a few weeks. It might even get you, or a loved one, isolated in a quarantine tent with people that are dying from something much more virulent. No thanks.