Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) is advising the public to take increased precautions as the hospital records an early and more severe-than-usual onset of the influenza season.
Hospital laboratory data show an early and concerning rise in influenza cases. Since the start of December, SLBMC has confirmed 15 cases of Influenza A, following 8 cases recorded in November, with most cases involving patients who required hospital admission. To date, one influenza-related death has sadly been recorded. Clinicians are also seeing a higher-than-usual number of patients requiring hospitalization and intensive care for severe influenza at this time of year, reflecting trends being observed internationally.
Administrative Head of the Infectious Diseases Employee Health Division and Infectious Disease Specialist at SLBMC, Dr. Margrethe Belle, emphasized the importance of early action and community awareness.
“We are seeing influenza activity earlier than expected, and in some cases, the illness is more severe,” Dr. Belle said. “The flu is not something to take lightly, especially for older adults, children, pregnant women, and people living with chronic conditions. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves and those around us, and it also helps reduce the strain on our healthcare system.”
Dr. Belle noted that influenza vaccination not only reduces the risk of developing symptomatic flu but lowers the risk of severe illness and hospitalization by 40–70%. Influenza vaccines remain available at community clinics across Antigua and Barbuda.
Acknowledging that some people may have concerns, Dr. Belle reassured the community that the flu vaccine is both safe and well-studied. Mild effects such as soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, or headache can occur, but usually last no more than one or two days. Severe reactions are extraordinarily rare, reported in just 1–2 cases per million doses, making vaccination one of the safest ways to protect against severe influenza.
SLBMC Intensivist and Head of the Intensive Care Unit, Dr. Gail-Ann Fortune, reported that several patients have required advanced life-support measures, including intubation.
“We are seeing a concerning increase in severe influenza cases, particularly among individuals with underlying health conditions, but also among otherwise healthy adults and children who are becoming critically ill and requiring advanced life support measures,” said Dr. Fortune. “Prevention remains our most effective defense. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed, taking basic public health precautions, and getting vaccinated.”
SLBMC is urging residents to take the following precautions:
- Get vaccinated, especially if you are over 65, pregnant, or living with chronic illness
- Wash hands frequently
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home if feeling unwell
- Avoid close contact with others when sick
Hospital officials stress that early prevention can save lives and encourage the community to act now to protect themselves, their families, and the wider public.
