HPA: Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised the general population to ground all travel plans unless absolutely necessary to control the rapid spread of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in the country.

Classes at schools and universities, as well as sporting events have been suspended after authorities reported a sharp increase in number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the country from 27 to 51 cases in less than 12 hours last Monday.

During the press conference held by authorities last Monday night, pediatrician at ADK Hospital, Dr. Abdulla Niyaf warned that increase in number of people travelling within the country, especially from Male’ City to the atolls or from the atolls to Male’ City risks the flue spreading faster.

“We issue our professional opinion to push limit travelling to trips absolutely necessary in order to control the spread of the flue from Male’ to the islands,” said Dr. Niyaf.

Dr. Niyaf said that inconvenient though it may be, it was imperative that the measure be taken for the sake of public health safety.

Authorities have advised the general public to take precaution against the flu by avoiding public gatherings and special attention to personal hygiene.

Common symptoms of swine flu:

• Fever

• Throat pain

• Headache

• Body ache

• Shivers

• Fatigue

• Loose motion, vomiting

Special attention needs to be paid to:

• Using a handkerchief or tissue to cover nose and mouth when sneezing, coughing

• Safely disposing of used tissues

• Personal hygiene, especially to wash hands using soap