With the peak of the flu season and the Public Health Department reporting higher than usual cases of patients presenting with flu like symptoms, the Health Services Authority (HSA) is opening a temporary flu clinic at the George Town General Practice Clinic.

The flu clinic will operate from 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday with a dedicated physician to manage and treat patients showing symptoms of the flu.

Director of Primary Health Care Dr Samuel Williams said, “Flu-like cases in Grand Cayman are on the increase, which is normal during this time of the year. The period between December and March is usually the peak of the flu season when the highest numbers of flu cases are reported.”

Informational signage, face masks and hand sanitizer have been placed at the entrance of all clinics for use by patients that are experiencing any flu-like symptoms.

Dr Williams advises the public that the single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines are available at the George Town General Practice Clinic, all district health centres, Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman Clinic.

Dr Williams is also using the opportunity to emphasise that the Cayman Islands does NOT have any cases of coronavirus and encourages all residents to practice infection control measures to prevent the flu virus such as:

• Frequent hand cleansing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Covering nose and mouth with tissue or a flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing

• Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections

The Public Health Department has released a Coronavirus Fact Sheet, which serves as a quick reference guide and common questions regarding Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It is available online at https://www.hsa.ky/public-health/coronavirus/