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CHCC sees spike in incidences of flu-like illnesses
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. warned the public yesterday it is seeing an increase in influenza-like illnesses in the community.
In a health advisory, CHCC chief executive officer Esther Muña and Public Health Emergency Preparedness director Warren F. Villagomez said that flu activity is widespread in most of the islands around this time of the year especially after a storm and people living in a congregated environment.
“High levels of flu activity are likely to continue for several more weeks. If you have not gotten your flu vaccination yet this season, you should get one now. A flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and the people around you from influenza and its potentially serious complications,” the advisory states. “When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself, your loved ones and others in your community.”
Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk for complications of influenza, such as those with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, children 6 months to 2 years old and adults 65 years and older.
The CHCC Division of Public Health highly recommends that the public follow the guidelines for seasonal flu immunization. Other than getting the flu shot, wash hands for at least 20 seconds, avoid the sick, teach about the flu, cover your cough and have a plan when there’s an outbreak of influenza.
If you are already sick with the flu, contact your healthcare provider before visiting the clinic for advice. By doing this, it will help avoid exposing other people at the clinics.
To get your flu vaccination or should you have any questions about this matter, contact CHCC Immunization Program at 236-8745 from 7:30am to 4:30pm and after hours at 234-8950 or email chcpublichealth@gmail.com. (CHCC)
