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Influenza A/H1N1 Update

According to the World Health Organisation (WTO), as of November 1^st, 2009, more than 199 countries worldwide have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009.

On the local front, the Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago has issued an update on the A/H1N1 Influenza on November 9^th, 2009, indicating that Trinidad and Tobago is currently experiencing the second wave of the H1N1 2009 pandemic.  The groups that have been determined to be at greatest risks are pregnant women, infants under 2 years of age, the obese, and persons diagnosed with chronic lung diseases (inclusive of asthma)  and other chronic diseases that affect the immune system.  Such high risks groups are advised to seek medical attention where flu-like symptoms are experienced.

The Ministry of Health further indicated that the first batch of H1N1 vaccines will be received during the week of November 16^th to 22^nd, 2009.  The delivery programme will be in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the WHO / Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).  Therefore, priority groups, consisting of health care professionals, pregnant women, infants, and other high risk groups would be among the first to receive the vaccines.
In lieu of vaccination, the Ministry of Health recommends that all citizens practice the following preventative measures to assist in containing the virus:

• Follow proper hygiene and respiratory practices

• Avoid contact with people who have respiratory illnesses

• Follow the Ministry's guidelines on mass gatherings, which are available on the Ministry's website or by request at our hotline 800-WELL (9355)

• If you have a flu-like illness, stay home from work or school; limit contact with others to avoid infecting them; and delay your travel

• Seek official information from the Ministry of Health through its communication channels, including the 800-WELL hotline and our web site

• Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms and has traveled or has been in contact with a person who has traveled to the affected countries in the past seven (7) days should IMMEDIATELY visit his or her nearest health center or doctor

Additional information can be accessed on the Ministry of Health’s website at: