The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) is urging Barbadians to play it safe and sanitise or even mask up heading into next week’s Old Year’s festivities.
President Dr Lynda Williams wants citizens to understand that COVID-19 is still present, and the Oropouche virus is now also a concern, so the public should sanitise regularly, and even consider masking in crowded areas throughout the holiday festivities.
She has suggested that people consume with moderation.
Williams made the call yesterday, with the winter season in full swing, bringing with it a change in temperature and an increase in visitors who can usher in various flu-like illnesses and viruses such as COVID-19.
“COVID is still out there, though we don’t talk about it much anymore, and there are lots of other viruses as well.
“For the older folks and for those who are at risk because they’re on medication or they have chronic illnesses, the same respiratory precautions that we have established, that are good public health practices, need to persist,” she said.
“In other words, when you’re in a room of crowded people, you should consider wearing a mask, or if you’re somewhere where you feel uncomfortable, there are lots of people around, you should consider wearing a mask, and obviously hand sanitisation is very important as always.”
More awareness
The BAMP president also urged more public awareness of the Oropouche virus, which is transmitted by biting midges (sandflies) and mosquitoes. The virus can cause fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, chills and nausea, symptoms which bear a resemblance to dengue fever.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health and Wellness announced two adult cases of the virus in Barbados. However, Chief Medical Officer The Most Honourable Dr Kenneth George said it was not a public health emergency, but stressed that the onus was on people to take necessary precautions.
Williams echoed those sentiments, as she encouraged the public to ensure they are tested for dengue fever should they face similar symptoms.
“It’s not adequate anymore to just brush it off as this is dengue because there are other dengue-like illnesses out there. That’s why we encourage, if you have a fever, rash and all those other symptoms, that you should go and get tested, find out if it’s dengue or if it’s something else.
“The risks are low for mortality, but if you don’t know then you could possibly be getting sicker and not know what we’re dealing with,” she added.
Excessive drinking
As for alcohol use, the doctor called for moderation, underscoring the various health risks connected to excessive drinking.
“I know everybody’s celebrating but it depends on your tolerance. For those who are not accustomed to drinking, when you drink excessively, at this time of year you end up with loss of ability to control yourself, and so those always lead to health risks.
“The majority of illnesses caused during the holiday season are from excesses that lead to chronic illness, so overeating, not taking care of your health, not exercising, not taking medication, those are the things that lead to the majority of problems and we always encourage people to do everything in moderation.”
Williams also spoke on the thick layers of Saharan dust plumes blanketing the skies since last week.
“This year we have more dust in the atmosphere and that leads to more eye irritation, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. So for those who are particularly prone, use your medication, your steroid inhalers, your eye drops if you have to, try not to rub your eyes. If you live in an area with high dust, you should also consider wearing a mask for very high dust alerts,” she said. (JRN)
