The Ministry of Health reports a spike in respiratory illness and pharmacists confirm an increase in clients seeking medications.

The former President of the Pharmaceutical Society, Yolande Pantin, tells Starcom Network news that the cases could be as a result of several factors including the increase in dust haze reported by the Barbados Meteorological Service.

She says that there has also been an increase in gastro-intestinal symptoms in children and adults.

Former President of the Pharmaceutical Society, Yolande Pantin

Meantime, President of the Barbados Association of Medical

Dr. Lynda Williams tells Starcom Network News the increase in gastrointestinal illness is common around this time of the year.

She is encouraging Barbadians to follow proper hygiene to avoid infection

BAMP President Dr. Lynda Williams