Dec. 4, 2007 — With flu season here, people across the Virgin Islands need to be on the alert.
"Get your flu shot," advised Dr. Audria Thomas, medical director for the Health Department's Office of Medical Affairs.
Everyone over the age of six months should get inoculated, she said.
Flu shots are offered at the Health Department's Health Centers on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, as well as the Veterans' Affairs offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Flu symptoms include nasal congestion, cough, joint pain, aches, fever and fatigue, Thomas said. While most people get totally over the flu in a week to 10 days, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma and cardiac problems often suffer complications from the flu, she said.
Even babies can suffer flu complications if they have congenital heart disease or respiratory illnesses, Thomas said
"And children with untreated diabetes or AIDS," she said.
Several flu cases have already been reported, with several people landing in the hospital because they suffered complications to their cardiac or diabetic conditions, Thomas said.
Influenza, commonly called flu, is a contagious respiratory illness cause by a virus spread from person to person by coughs and sneezes, according to a news release from the Veterans' Affairs Office in Puerto Rico.
Thomas urged those with the flu to stay home from work.
"The flu is very contagious," she said.
People with the flu should drink plenty of fluids and take care of themselves. Most people will gradually start to feel better, Thomas said.
Residents wanting flu shots should call the immunization departments at the Health Centers. The number on St. Thomas is 774-7477. On St. Croix, call 773-1311. The number on St. John is 693-8900. Health Department flu shots run $10 for both adults and children.
The Veterans' Affairs Office facilities on St. Thomas and St. Croix will administer the shots from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Veterans must be enrolled in the Veterans' Affairs system to get the shots for free.
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