From Trinidad Express

Trinidad and Tobago has recorded another Swine Flu death, a 61-year-old who died at the Sangre Grande Hospital after spending almost three weeks in the Intensive Care Unit. There are now at least six known deaths.

The diagnosis was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, which reminded citizens about measures to adopt to decrease the chances of contracting the flu. The following is the Ministry’s statement –

The Ministry of Health notes with sadness the passing of 61 year old Jewan Maharaj, a patient of the Sangre Grande District Health Facility who passed away following an eighteen (18) day stay in the Intensive Care Unit due to complications that arose from a combination of hypertension and H1N1 Influenza.

At this time, we take the opportunity to remind citizens that influenza can cause severe illness in some persons, including the elderly, infants, young children and pregnant women as well as those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart, lung, kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes. Front line health workers are also especially at risk for contracting the Flu Virus.

Influenza can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and droplets containing viruses get into the air and are inhaled by persons nearby. Persons can also become infected by touching surfaces (doorknobs, desks etc.) contaminated with flu viruses and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose.

To prevent the spread of infectious diseases like influenza, the public is urged to:

1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Doing so into the crook of your elbow is also acceptable.

2. Wash hands with soap and water regularly.

3. Avoid close contact with people who have flu like symptoms.

4. If you have symptoms of the flu, seek immediate medical attention you have difficulty breathing, chest tightness, the inability to eat or drink, persistent vomiting, or confusion.

Safe and effective vaccines that can prevent influenza or reduce the severity of illness are available at local health centres and citizens seeking these are asked to contact their local health centre or Regional Health Authority to set an appointment. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious complications of influenza and for people who live with or care for high risk individuals. After vaccination, persons still ought to take preventative measures to reduce the spread of viruses.

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