H1N1 flu cases increasing, officials warn

(CNS): There was an increase in flu activity during the last two weeks of November, according to Public Health officials. In the third week of November, there were 178 cases of flu reported and in the fourth week there were 229 cases. Since the first case of H1N1 was confirmed in June, Cayman has had a total of 112 confirmed cases of H1N1.Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar points out that almost all schoolshave reported both students and staff with flu-like illnesses, and since schools have opened, there have been three confirmed cases of H1N1 from schools.

He also reminds the public that not everyone with flu-like symptoms needs to be tested for H1N1. Since June, in young people who have been tested, there have been 49 confirmed H1N1 cases in school-aged children, 5 to 16 years old. The most recent confirmed case was a student from Triple C School.

“We’re at the beginning of the traditional flu season, so an increase in flu activity is expected,” Dr Kumar said, “but we’re continuing to stress the first line of defence — be diligent with hand washing and cover coughs and sneezes.” Or more on how to avoid flu this season, read the HSA handout Five Things You Can Do To Fight The Flu