WESTMORELAND Public Health Department is reminding citizens to protect themselves from contracting influenza.

Influenza or the flu is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can lead to life-threatening complications.

Health education and promotion officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller said the flu season begins in October and often peaks by December to March, and can taper off as late as May. As such, he is encouraging residents to take all the necessary measures to prevent the virus.

“Just like in COVID times, we are advocating the coughing etiquette, wash hands with soap and water; and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands. Avoid close contact with persons who have flu-like symptoms, for example, handshaking, hugging and kissing,” he said.

“We want you to be vigilant and pay keen attention to these reminders. If an individual is feeling sick, feeling unwell generally, we are encouraging persons to stay home, get some rest, and drink lots of fluid. However, if your situation gets severe, we are encouraging persons to contact your doctor immediately,” he encouraged.

Miller is also urging persons to take the flu vaccine, which is available at the island’s health centres.

“[The vaccine] is very safe and effective and it can provide protection against influenza infections,” he said.

“Optimally, vaccination should occur before the start of the flu season, if possible. To avoid missed opportunities for vaccination, providers should offer vaccination during routine health-care visits and hospitalisations, when the vaccine is available. Vaccination efforts should continue throughout the season because the duration of the flu season varies and influenza activity might not occur in certain communities until the latter part of the flu season,” Miller explained.

He pointed out that priority groups for vaccination include health-care workers; pregnant women; children over six months of age with chronic illnesses; non-health front-line workers such as the police, army, correctional services, customs and immigration officers; parliamentarians; institutionalised persons; the elderly and adults over 65 years with chronic illnesses.

Symptoms of the flu often include fever, head and body aches, coughing, and a stuffy or runny nose.