An influenza strain associated with swine flu could be circulating around the island, according to the Ministry of Health.

However, a spokeswoman said the H1N1 virus was included in the available seasonal flu vaccine, and the precautions for the virus are the same as any seasonal influenza.

“H1N1 is a ‘type A’ flu, and 85 per cent of our confirmed influenzas in Bermuda have been type A,” she said. “However, the results of any subtyping are not available as yet.

“During the US flu season, which is still ongoing, they found that among the influenza A viruses subtypes, 67 per cent were influenza A (H1N1).”

The ministry said they have received higher than usual number of reported cases of influenza on the island, but added that no influenza-related deaths had been reported thus far this year.

“The ministry can confirm that during the past four weeks, the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit received reports of 233 cases of fever and respiratory symptoms,” a spokeswoman said.

“This is above the five-year average (for that period) of 195 for the years 2011-2015. This information includes symptomatic persons and confirmed cases.

“Reported cases of influenza are above normal levels. As such, persons should continue to practise good respiratory hygiene.”

H1N1 made headlines in 2009 when the World Health Organisation announced that a variation of swine-originating H1N1 had become a pandemic. While the virus spread worldwide and caused thousands of deaths, by August of 2010 the WHO declared the pandemic over, stating that worldwide flu activity had returned to its usual seasonal pattern.

Typical flu symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and tiredness. Some people are at high risk of developing serious flu related complications such as people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children. The ministry said that everyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to receive vaccinations for the flu each season, and are urged avoid contact with those who are sick.

Anyone with flu-like symptoms are advised to stay home from work, school or public places, and consult their physician — particularly if symptoms are severe.

People are also urged to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect frequently-touched home surfaces.