Effective today 28 October 2021 the Flu Clinic located at the Cayman Islands Hospital complex will be expanding its opening hours providing greater convenience and a dedicated area for the treatment of persons with flu-like symptoms. The new hours are Monday to Friday 8AM-11PM.The dedicated Flu Clinic helps to isolate persons with flu like symptoms from the general patient population and potentially reduce opportunities for influenza/COVID transmission.“We find that extending the hours reduces the congestion in our Accident & Emergency Unit for non-emergent cases and allows the team to appropriately triage and treat true medical emergencies,” stated Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ronnie Dunn.“Although influenza activity last year was minimal largely due to COVID-19 prevention measures such as mask wearing, predictions on what this year's flu season will look like have varied,” said Medical Officer of Health, Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez. “This dedicated facility will allow us to better manage patient flow and an increase in cases due to COVID 19.”Dr Williams assures the public that adherence to prevention measures such as social distancing, wearing of masks and the calling of the Flu Hotline prior to going to the clinic will help to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for patients who visit the clinic.The Public Health Department is currently awaiting their annual supply of flu vaccines. They anticipate the arrival of vaccines before the launch of the of their flu shot campaign which is expected to run from November 2021 - March 2022.Persons can access the Flu Clinic by parking in the Seventh Day Adventist Church Parking Lot with easy access to the clinic left of the Accident & Emergency (A&E) entrance. Signage on campus will direct patients to the clinic.All persons with flu symptoms are advised to first contact the 24-hour Flu Hotline to speak to a health professional about their symptoms prior to visiting the clinic. Contact 1-800-534-8600, 345-947-3077 or flu@hsa.ky.Flu symptoms may include: • Fever • Sore throat • Cough • Runny nose • Muscle or body aches • ChillsPlease call the Flu Hotline or 911 if you experience worsening symptoms such as: • Sudden dizziness and confusion; • Severe or persistent vomiting; • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; or, • Difficulty breathingPatients visiting the Flu Clinic can use the Seventh Day Adventist Church parking lot, just opposite A&E.All persons are required to wear a facemask at all HSA locations.