Many people still unclear on A H1N1 symptoms

PUTRAJAYA: Many are stil unclear of Influenza A(H1N1) symptoms despite an aggressive awareness blitz by the media and health authorities, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.

He said judging from the calls received on the ministry hotlines, many were still unaware that the A(H1N1) symptoms were fever, cough, headache, pain in joints and bodyache, cold, sore throat and breathing difficulty.

“We still get many calls asking for the symptoms. Many also call to ask about a vaccine against the flu and we have informed them that there is no such vaccine available as of now,” he said.

Dr Ismail said the five preventive measures which the public should take when it comes to A (H1N1) were to:

* COVER their mouth when coughing or sneezing;

* MAINTAIN good personal hygiene by constantly washing hands, particularly after coughing or sneezing;

* STAY away from individuals with influenza-like illness (ILI);

* AVOID crowded places; and

* STAY away from public places, especially for parents with small children.

Besides the latest record today,

Dr Ismail said that no new deaths were recorded over the past 24 hours and the death toll remains at 73.

Sixty-eight new patients were warded in hospitals for ILI and 103 patients were discharged.

There are currently 1,176 patients with ILI in hospitals but only 236 were confirmed A(H1N1) cases.

Dr Ismail said 49 patients, 10 of which were new cases, were being treated in intensive care units.

Soure: TheStar