November 25, 2009 14:18 PM

Antiviral Medicine And H1N1 Vaccine Suitable To Prevent And Treat Infection

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry has called on people to not to worry about the ability of antiviral medicine and influenza A(H1N1) vaccine being used now.

Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican, said although there have been cases of virus mutation reported, the antiviral medicine and influenza A(H1N1) vaccine was still suitable and able to prevent and treat the virus.

"People should not worry and should carry on with preventive and control measures," he said in a statement Wednesday.

He said during the holiday season many people will return home or travel both locally and abroad and as such those with influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms were urged to remain at home till they were well.

"If they have ILI symptoms while abroad they are urged to seek treatment, wash hands with clean water and soap or with alcohol-based cleansers and use handkerchiefs or tissues when coughing," he said.

For those who have ILI symptoms after returning from abroad especially from the Northern Hemisphere, Dr Mohd Ismail advised them to seek treatment immediately.

Till today, there were no more deaths reported and the number deaths remained at 77 while just 13 persons or three per cent of 391 cases were confirmed positive for H1N1.

-- BERNAMA

We provide (subscription-based) 
news coverage in our Newswire service.