GAIL ALEXANDER
Recent deaths caused by the influenza virus are consistent with recent years and have been confined to the elderly, children five months to six years and people suffering from critical or debilitating illnesses, PNM Senator Clarence Rambharat said yesterday.
“There’s been no instance where someone outside of that category has died from this flu, “Rambharat added in the Senate yesterday.
He was replying on behalf of the Health Minister, to questions posed by the Opposition. UNC’s Wade Mark, noting revelation of 24 deaths from the flu over the last two months, had asked whether health institutions are being directed to treat with suspected flu cases as critical.
Rambharat confirmed the Chief Medical Officer has directed health institutions to do so.
He said, every year prior to May all physicians are resensitised on flu management, the Health Ministry ensures World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols are followed and ensures the required number of vaccinations are in TT and available to the public.
Rambharat added, “Provisions aren’t made for every citizen in the country to be vaccinated. In relation to the flu there are particular categories of risk and these include the elderly, those affected by diabetes, minors and people in particular vulnerable circumstances - pregnant women and children six months to five years.”
“So the risk is at a particular period of the year- October to May - and risk measures are in place during that period. Prior to that, there’s some sensitisation.”