Positive H1N1 cases rise to 105

The number of people who tested positive for the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus has risen to 105 people.

The number means 23 more people have now tested positive for the H1N1 virus than the 82 confirmed cases announced last Wednesday night.

Statistics published by Health Protection Agency this Thursday shows 335 people have been screened for H1N1 influenza, out of whom 105 people have tested positive. This shows 31 percent of those screened for the virus have tested positive.

1,815 people with symptoms of the flu all over Maldives consulted a doctor on Wednesday, and 2,314 people on Tuesday.

24 are admitted at hospitals in suspected cases.

Majority of the people with symptoms of the flu who consulted doctors are from K. Atoll, H. Dh. Atoll and L. Atoll.

Two people who tested positive for the H1N1 virus have died so far this year; a 26-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman from F. Nilandhoo who passed away last Wednesday night.

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

• Avoiding public places, crowded areas if you have symptoms of the flu

• Avoiding taking children to public places, crowded areas

• Avoiding touching or being near children if you have symptoms of the flu

• Protecting children from cigarette smoke, avoiding smoking at home

Home remedies for flu:

• Increasing liquid intake

• Rest

• Using lemon, ginger, honey with black tea

• Using a wet cloth in cases of high fever

• Avoid medicine except for Paracetamol

• Consult a medical doctor if the fever continues for more than three days