The HINI flu watch
As Guyana’s health sector continues to deal with the H1N1 threat, monitoring continues and to date the Ministry of Health is awaiting the results of 10 specimens sent recently to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) for testing.

H1N1 is a flu virus with symptoms similar to that of seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death can occur.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza.

Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it, and then touching their mouth or nose.

The spread of H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.

In this regard, Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, in an invited comment, explained that so far 39 specimens have been sent off and his ministry is in possession of 29 results.

“Of the 39 specimens that have been sent 29 have returned negative and we are hoping that the remaining 10 show the same result,” Ramsammy said.

The minister explained that plans that have been put in place prior to the arrival of H1N1 to Guyana’s shore have allowed for early identification of suspected threats, as well as containment.

To this end, Ramsammy asserted that good public health work is going to be able to counter the disease.

Guyana, to date, has had only two confirmed cases of H1N1.

The reported cases are individuals who reside in Georgetown and have been traced to international contacts.

The health minister assured that these incidents have been contained.

He explained that in other countries, the spread of the disease is due primarily to the late implementation of containment measures.

However, Ramsammy firmly stated that persons should not be complacent just because mechanisms are in place to deal with the H1N1 virus.

“While we have things in place, we cannot stop H1N1 completely from crossing our borders,” he posited.

He added that in time Guyana will see its third and fourth case of the H1N1 virus, and in light of this, the Guyanese public should continue to follow advisories.

These advisories include recommendations from the Centre for Disease Control.

Among these recommendations are:
* Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and after use throwing that tissue in the trash;

* Washing one’s hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. (Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective);

* Avoiding touching of eyes, nose or mouth as germs are easily spread this way;

* Trying to avoid close contact with sick people; and

* Staying at home if sick for seven days after symptoms of the illness begin, or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.