More than 1,300 people used Flu Express this month

The Department of Health is pleased to announce that more than 1,300 residents received their flu shots through the flu express this month – which marked the start of flu season.

The Flu Express is a convenient “drive through” way for persons 10 years and older to receive the flu vaccine.

“I am encouraged by the success of this month’s Flu Express initiative and hope it is a sign that our residents are taking seriously the possible complications that can stem from contracting the flu…particularly for our seniors and persons with chronic health problems,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball. “I would urge the rest of the public to follow suit in a timely fashion while we are at the very beginning of flu season.  Protecting yourself early in the season is ideal.”

The Department of Health is also offering influenza immunization in the community as per the attached.

Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection which spreads from person to person via infected droplets from coughs and sneeze. For most people it is not generally a serious condition but is often very unpleasant and temporarily debilitating. For some, however, flu can be quite dangerous, even life-threatening, because it may increase the risk of developing serious complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure.

Symptoms of flu develop two to four days after exposure and may remain mild. However, serious attacks may cause sudden onset of sore throat, and runny nose with high fever, headache, backache, muscle pains fatigue and general malaise.

Most people recover after several days, requiring extra fluids, rest and ibuprophen or acetaminophen to control fever and body aches. (NOTE: Aspirin should not be given to children and teenagers with flu-like symptoms).

Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball said:

“The influenza vaccine is a safe and effective protection against influenza.  Influenza illness can be serious for very young children, seniors and persons with chronic health problems and pregnant women which is why it is important to prevent its occurrence especially in these populations. It is also important for healthy adults who are in close contact with children and the elderly to be vaccinated to reduce time lost from work and to protect seniors, infants and children.

“With the increased uptake of the vaccine each year Bermuda has seen a decline in the incidence of influenza in the community.” 

The chance of contracting flu and other upper respiratory infections can also be reduced by frequent and thorough hand washing, ‘covering’ coughs and sneezes and avoiding crowded places.

Seasonal influenza affects many thousands of people in the Caribbean each year. It is an infectious respiratory disease that is associated with the circulation of one or more of three influenza virus types: A, B and less commonly type C. Influenza viruses A and B cause seasonal epidemics yearly during autumn and winter in temperate regions. In some tropical countries, influenza viruses circulate throughout the year with one or two peaks during rainy seasons.