Ministry of Health Urges Vincentians to Take Precautions This Festive Season

By R.Butcher. Updated 4:50 p.m., Friday, November 21, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment is urging Vincentians to take precautionary measures against viral respiratory infections as the nation enters the busy General Election period and Christmas Season. This advisory follows the confirmation of seven new cases of influenza A (H3N2) for 2025.

According to the Epidemiology Unit, two imported cases of influenza A (H3N2) were recorded in January 2025, while five locally confirmed cases among individuals aged 2 to 33 years with no travel history were identified in November 2025. These bring the total number of influenza cases for the year to 117, including all sub-types.

The Ministry is encouraging the public to remain vigilant as the nation prepares for two of the most festive and socially active periods of the year and notes that  Increased gatherings, travel, shopping, Nine Mornings activities, and close interpersonal interactions during this season heighten the risk of viral infections spreading from person to person.

The Ministry reminds the public that while celebrations remain an important part of national culture and community life, simple preventative practices can significantly reduce transmission and help protect families and communities.

The Ministry encourages everyone to wear a face mask properly in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially if experiencing flu-like symptoms or when around others who are unwell. The public is also urged to practice proper hand hygiene, particularly when interacting with children, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons who are differently abled. Hands should be washed frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds or cleaned with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water are unavailable.

Individuals are reminded to cover coughs and sneezes at all times, stay home if they are sick, and avoid gatherings when experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms The Ministry further advises seeking medical care early if symptoms worsen or do not improve, and to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces both at home and in the workplace.

The Ministry emphasises that keeping viral infections low during the holiday season requires a collective effort. “By practising these simple, everyday precautions, Vincentians can help protect vulnerable individuals and support a healthier, more enjoyable Christmas for all,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry also advises that no cases of leptospirosis were reported between 10 October and 10 November. However, the public is encouraged to continue proper waste disposal and other measures to reduce the rodent population.

This information was provided by the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment.