H1N1 flu prevention still encouraged

BANGKOK, 14 January 2010 (NNT) – People are once again reminded to prevent themselves against the Influenza A (H1N1) after more spread of the influenza has been found in many rural areas while H1N1 risk groups are advised to receive vaccination.

According to the Disease Control Department Director-General, MD Manit Teeratantikanont, people should not be reckless with the flu spread. He said any areas with more than a 5% infection rate could be at risk of an Influenza A(H1N1) flu infection and should be under close watch. Hospitals are advised to monitor patients with flu infection closely as well.

The director-general admitted that at present there were not many people coming to receive H1N1 flu vaccine as people perceived that the virus spread had become less serious. He then warned the public that the flu could rebound and spread further.

People in the five risk groups are also urged to get the vaccination at the nearest hospital, free of charge. The risk groups are medical staff, women who are at least three months pregnant, overweight people, the disabled, and those sickened with chronic diseases.