Health official explains a recent uptick in a bad flu, and tuberculosis

Health authorities are reporting a noticeable increase in influenza-like illnesses across the country in recent weeks, as fluctuating temperatures continue to affect respiratory health.

Many residents have described the illness as a particularly harsh flu, complaining of intense body aches, headaches, fatigue and other common respiratory symptoms. Clinics and health centers have also reported higher patient visits linked to these conditions.  Director of Public Health and Wellness, Melissa Diaz-Musa, says the ministry has been monitoring the trend and believes the spike is closely tied to recent shifts between warm days and cooler nights, which can weaken the body’s defenses and allow viruses to spread more easily.

Dr. Melissa Diaz Musa, Director of Health and Wellness: “In January, we saw an increase in H2N3, which is an influenza virus, and that’s the subtype of the virus. That was the one that was spreading in the United States and Canada in different areas and we are able to test at the Central Medical Lab again. We test for influenza A, influenza B, COVID, and many of the other viral infections. The recent report shows that it has become now stagnant and hopefully we’ll see a fall in this.We also I want to take this opportunity to say that we also have the flu vaccine available at every health facility, private and public, and the pneumococcal vaccine that helps to prevent pneumonia and other diseases in children and adults. So I encourage you all to go out and get this as soon as possible.”

Health officials are encouraging the public to practice preventative measures such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying hydrated and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.