Measures to prevent spread of Influenza A (H1N1) disease

Nadira Gunatilleke

A few Influenza A (H1N1) cases have been reported from state hospitals and the Health Ministry has already made arrangements to prevent the spread of the disease. The public are advised to take precautionary measures to prevent the disease from spreading, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, patients need to avoid crowded places and always use surgical masks to cover their faces.People should wash their hands thoroughly with soap after visiting public places. Patients with diabetes and other chronic illnesses, pregnant mothers and those over the age of 60 should take special precautions to avoid catching the disease and seek immediate medical treatment if infected in order to avoid complications.

Influenza A (H1N1) is an air born disease. The main symptoms are cough, fever, body pain and breathing difficulties. Prompt medical treatment should be sought if a person shows these symptoms and follows medical advice. The Influenza A (H1N1) virus spreads as a seasonal flu and similar situations were reported in Sri Lanka during January, February and March in the past few years. A few patients with symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) have been reported from a few areas in the country. Circulars have already been issued to hospital directors on preventing the disease and hospital staff will be given special training on treating Influenza A (H1N1).

They will be given the vaccine to prevent them from getting infected. The relevant drug, Tamiflu has been distributed to state hospitals.