GUYANA now has 17 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus but Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has assured that the vaccine for the disease will become available locally as soon as it is procured.

He said the Caribbean region, through Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), has been able to acquire 200 million doses of it.

Ramsammy added that, to date, this country has been making progress in dealing with the affliction.

“So far, of the 150 specimens we sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) for testing, which confirmed the 17 cases, the majority continue to be linked to international contacts,” he disclosed.

Ramsammy said his ministry is making headway in the acquisition of the $8M piece of equipment to enhance DNA testing that would assist in earlier detection of H1N1.

The machine will facilitate tests of specimens on an open platform, meaning it has the capacity to identify a variety of things.

Ramsammy said a November deadline has been set for acquiring it.

Meantime, Guyanese are still encouraged to continue heeding safe hygiene practices as H1N1 is thought to be contracted in the same way as seasonal flu.

They should practice:
* covering the nose and mouth with tissues when coughing or sneezing and throw them in the trash after use;

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

* avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth as germs are easily spread that way;

* trying to avoid close contact with sick people and

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

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.

Like with seasonal flu, as well, severe illnesses and death can result.

Flu viruses are spread, mainly by person to person, through coughing or sneezing by influenza patients.