Avellon Williams
BAHAMAS- As a result of implementing good health practices, a local doctor has seen a quadrupling in flu-related cases in the last few weeks.
“This is a conundrum,” Dr. Juliette Dorsett, of Urgent Care Medical Centre, said in a recent interview with The Nassau Guardian.
“I’ve seen quadruple the number of cases, and the cases I’ve seen are the worst I’ve ever seen and I’ve been in this profession for a long, long time.”
Patients are coming in sicker and their symptoms are lasting longer, she said.
While it’s extraordinary, Dr. Dorsett said it’s not totally unexpected.
“You kind of expected it in a way because of the post-COVID era,” she said.
“A lot of people’s immune systems are not as robust.”
“A lot of them had COVID and a lot of them are still recovering from long COVID.
“So, I think that’s why we’re having all these severe symptoms. Most of them need treatment, even hospitalization.”
“I had a few that I had to send to the hospital with pneumonia.”
A number of her patients were also diagnosed with bronchitis, according to Dr. Dorsett.
She said she’s seen many infants, children, and young adults suffering from influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Carissa F., Director of Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), issued a press statement last month. In the wake of an increase in COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and RSV infections in the region, Etienne called on countries to “implement the tools proven to keep communities safe, including vaccines, surveillance, mask wear, and social distancing.”
While COVID-19 infections haven’t increased in The Bahamas, Princess Margaret Hospital’s Emergency Department has reported an increase in respiratory illnesses since schools reopened.
“The rise of a single respiratory infection is a cause for concern,” Etienne said during a PAHO media briefing.
“When two or three start impacting a population concurrently, this should put us all on alert.”
