The department is advising residents that additional quantities of flu shots are still available at the Cayman Islands Hospital, District Health Centres, Faith Hospital and Little Cayman clinic.

Director of Public Health Dr Kiran Kumar said that so far this year, there were 816 patients seeking medical care for flu-like illnesses at government health facilities with the majority of these cases among children between the ages of five and 16 years.

It is estimated that a similar number might have sought care from private physicians.

Dr Kumar said the period between December and March is usually the peak of the flu season when the highest number of cases is reported.

The doctor, while encouraging individuals to get their flu shots, also noted that preventing the spread of the flu is very important and can be done by taking simple actions that include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover you mouth and nose when you are coughing or sneezing.

• If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper arm, not your hands.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.

For flu shots members of the public can visit any of the District Health Centres and the Cayman Islands Hospital to receive vaccine at the following times:

• The General Practice Clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital, Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac and all District Health Centres, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

• Little Cayman Clinic. Residents of Little Cayman should contact the clinic to make arrangements.

Dr Kumar advises that there will not be any cost, at this time, to anyone for the flu shots. Children age seven years and under will need two doses and children over seven years need one dose.

To facilitate the flu shots for school children a special clinic is held between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm Monday to Friday until 23 March 2007 in the Public Health Department (Women’s Health Clinic Building), in addition to the other clinics.

The vaccine produces an immune protection between one to two weeks after vaccination, therefore if the child has been exposed to the virus during this period, the vaccine will not be effective and the child may still become ill with the flu.

It is to be noted that the flu shots taken at this time will not protect the individual in the next season.

Dr Kumar warns that some people may experience side effects of the vaccine. The most common reactions to the flu vaccine are soreness and redness at the site of the injection, fever, fatigue, painful joints and headache.

Panadol or similar medications will reliever the symptoms. Before being vaccinated, it is recommended that persons become familiar with information about the vaccine.