The lead story in Monday's STAR reminded us that although we have not been hearing much about it recently, the H1N1 virus is still very much a threat to us.

News emerged on the weekend that a few cases were detected on the campus of the University of the West Indies. It was also revealed that social activities and events on the campus were banned for a seven-day period.

Although this news may not seem very earth-shattering, the implications are far-reaching. With the new school term off to a start, we can expect to hear more cases of the disease being detected, especially with so many students returning home from overseas holidays. Though we have done well to contain the virus so far, it may prove to be harder to do so if the disease is spread throughout schools.

Many may have been ignoring the advisories issued by the Ministry of Health, but as we can see, this problem is one that is not showing any signs of going away. We therefore need to take it seriously and start implementing the strategies that we have been told about.

A recent release from the World Health Organisation warned that a new bout of the virus could be coming soon. We therefore need to be more alert and aware and practise the preventative methods we have been taught.