Health precautions issued as flu cases rise

Health precautions issued as flu cases rise

Residents have been urged to take necessary health precautions — including getting flu vaccines — as the Ministry of Health reports an increase in respiratory illnesses.

It comes as the Government awaits the delivery of Covid-19 vaccine from the United Kingdom.

A spokeswoman said arrangements to procure the vaccine have been finalised and additional information for healthcare providers and the public will be shared as it becomes available.

The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health noted the increase in respiratory illnesses as the island enters the annual cold and flu season.

Influenza vaccinations are available on island and the ministry “strongly” encouraged eligible residents — particularly seniors, healthcare workers, caregivers and individuals with chronic medical conditions — to get their shots.

This week the Bermuda Hospitals Board said that cases of the Covid-19 virus had been confirmed, along with several additional cases of patients with respiratory symptoms.

A government spokeswoman said respiratory viruses such as influenza, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, are more common during this ...