The Ministry of Health has said that officials have conducted an epidemiological examination of the influenza deaths for this season and it has been noted that the majority of the persons who have died from influenza this season exhibited at least one of the following characteristics:
• 65 years of age or older;
• Five years of age of less
• Diabetic
• Hypertensive
• Obese
• Smoked Tobacco Products.
The ministry said this is in keeping with the Ministry of Health’s listing of persons who are particularly vulnerable to the flu which is communicated to the public on an ongoing basis. The Ministry of Health therefore urges the persons in the following high risk groups to get vaccinated against the flu.
The ministry said the Influenza virus is serious and is generally more severe than the common cold. The flu vaccine is available, at no cost, at all health centres. Members of the public are advised to contact their nearest health centre to confirm the dates and times that vaccines are distributed.