Carnivals, other large events could create public health challenge

Carnivals, other large events could create public health challenge – CARPHA

Feb 23, 2018 News

This is the season for celebrating. However such events could help to amplify public health risks. This is according to information released yesterday by the Caribbean Public Health Agency [CARPHA].
CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. C. James Hospedales, explained that the primary form of influenza transmission is through interpersonal contact. As such, he revealed that large social events like carnival, festivals and concerts can create serious public health challenges because persons are often crowded together, sharing personal space and common areas.
Moreover, CARPHA is urging that people seek to practice good personal hygiene in order to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses.
Influenza [flu] is a contagious respiratory illness which affects thousands of people in the Caribbean each year. Typically, the flu season in the Region occurs between September and March, when there is usually an increase in the number of persons coming down with the flu in the northern hemisphere.
Flu is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, cough [usually dry], headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise [feeling unwell], sore throat and runny nose. Most people recover from symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention but influenza can cause severe illness or death in people at high risk.
“Given elevated flu activity in the United States, combined with the high travel season to the Caribbean, it is important that people take the necessary steps now, to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu,” CARPHA has amplified.
In urging that persons take proactive measures to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses, CARPHA has also issued a list of measures that persons can incorporate to safeguard themselves. These include: covering your mouth with a tissue or handkerchief, or using your elbow when sneezing or coughing; safely disposing of used tissues; washing your hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds after coughing and sneezing and before and after meal preparation, eating and using the toilets; alternatively, you may use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer; avoiding contact with others by staying home if you are sick; cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly.
But according to CARPHA, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease. In this regard, safe and effective vaccines have been available and used for over 60 years. However, CARPHA has revealed that vaccination is especially important for health workers and people at higher risk of serious influenza complications, such as the very young, the elderly and chronically ill persons, and for people who live with or care for high risk individuals.

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