A 56-year-old woman man died at the Sangre Grande Hospital yesterday, making her the seventh victim of the H1N1 virus since the first reported death last year.
A release from the Ministry of Health said Seedaye Ramkissoon, a patient of the hospital, passed away following a 17-day stay in the Intensive Care Unit due to complications that arose from a combination of hypertension and H1N1 influenza.
It said, “At this time, we take the opportunity to remind citizens that influenza can cause severe illness in some persons, including the elderly, infants, young children and pregnant women as well as those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart, lung, kidney disease, and diabetes.
“Front line health workers are also especially at risk for contracting the Flu Virus.
“Influenza can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and droplets containing viruses get into the air and are inhaled by persons nearby.”
It added that persons can also become infected by touching surfaces such as door knobs and desks contaminated with flu viruses and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose.
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases like influenza, the public is urged to:
1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Doing so into the crook of your elbow is also acceptable.
2. Wash hands with soap and water regularly.
3. Avoid close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms.
4. Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of the flu, including difficulty breathing, tightness of the chest, inability to eat or drink, persistent vomiting, or confusion.
The release said safe and effective vaccines that can prevent influenza or reduce the severity of illness are available at local health centres.
Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious complications of influenza and for people who live with or care for high-risk individuals.
After vaccination, persons still ought to take preventative measures to reduce the spread of viruses.