H1N1 virus more rampant overseas

BANGKOK, 17 November 2009 (NNT) – The influenza A (H1N1) outbreak is severer overseas, especially in Russia and Ukraine, says a public health expert.

According to Chairperson of the subcommittee on medical and public health strategies, MD Prasert Thongcharoen, lab results confirm that the virus is less active since October. It has been reported earlier in November that five million Thai people have immunity against the virus while the death toll remains at 184.

The phase two of the flu outbreak is expected in December due to a drop in temperature that will help the virus survive longer. Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said the ministry would expedite the production of anti-H1N1 vaccines, assuring that patients would get quicker access to treatments in order to reduce the death rate.

The first lot of one million doses of H1N1 inactivated vaccines is expected to arrive in Thailand in December and patients can be vaccinated from January 2010 onwards. Patients outside Bangkok will receive the vaccines first because they are less immune and are likely to spread the virus more quickly.

Acting Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Dr Paichit Varachit, said that five groups of people prioritized for getting the first lot of H1N1 vaccines include doctors, the autistics, people with respiratory diseases, people with infectious disease, and obese people.