On Tuesday, 3rd of February 2015, Public Health Nurses from the Ministry of Health and Human Services administered more than 100 free flu vaccines to Beaches Turks and Caicos Team Members as a part of the Beaches Turks and Caicos Healthy Living Initiative’s event for this month, “Beat The Flu”.
The 2014-2015 Influenza (flu) season has reach its peak. Seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, however, most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.
The flu virus travels through the air in droplets when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplet directly, or you can pick up flu germs from an object, and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services is committed to keeping the Turks and Caicos healthy and is pleased to announce that the seasonal flu vaccine for adults and children is available at all Government operated Primary Health Care Clinics free of charge.
It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months has a flu vaccine annually. In addition to having a flu vaccine, the Ministry of Health and Human Services recommends the following healthy habits, which can stop the spread of the infection:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Put your used tissue in a waste basket.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or long enough to sing the birthday song twice.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth (germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth).
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• If you or your child is sick with the flu stay home from work, school or daycare. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
• Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, manage your stress, and be physically active.
• Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause many different illnesses including the flu.
