Just over a month ago, Barbados, like many countries around the world, was hit by a surge in respiratory illnesses at the peak of the flu season.
For Dr Corey Forde, the Director of Clinical and Diagnostic Services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), this spike was no surprise. As an Infectious Disease Specialist, he had been closely monitoring the international trends in the US, the UK, and Europe weeks before the virus reached our shores.
Dr Forde explains that this season’s illnesses included the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the particularly aggressive H3N2 strain of Influenza A.
In an update this week, he noted that the number of patients seeking emergency care at the hospital has finally started to decline.
However, Dr Forde warns that Barbados is not out of the woods just yet. He points out that viral cases can rise and fall unexpectedly, stressing that we must remain vigilant. He is urging Barbadians to keep a close eye on their health and to act responsibly. For those who feel unwell, he suggests seeking primary care first—through private doctors or local polyclinics—before rushing to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED).
To keep the numbers down, he advises the public to stay at home when feeling sick and to avoid close contact with others who are ill. He also reminded that simple habits remain our best defense: cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands often to protect yourself and your family from germs.
For the full story, including expert advice on recovery and a look at the science behind the surge, read our special feature “Battling the Bug: Navigating the Cold and Flu Season” in the Weekend Nation.
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