D-G tells students what they can do to curb flu

Star: PETALING JAYA: Students returning from vacation in countries affected by the Influenza A (H1N1) virus must seek immediate treatment if they have cough and fever and also limit their interaction with friends, including avoiding classes until they get better, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said yesterday.
The restriction on students with flu-like symptoms was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, he said in a statement.
Dr Ismail also urged the public to cooperate with the authorities by postponing their travel to countries hit by the flu, “and travel only if absolutely necessary.”
“The chances of contracting the virus when flying to an affected country has increased, whether you are in that country or during the flight there.”
Dr Ismail called on everyone who came in contact with those who had been tested positive for the flu virus, including passengers on the same flight and crew members, to get in touch with the Health Ministry at 03-8881 0200 or 8881 0300 for medical advice and home quarantine procedures.
He also urged the public to follow the latest developments on the flu outbreak via the ministry’s website at www.moh.gov.my
In Kepala Batas, Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the ministry would not hesitate to shut down schools that have students infected by the flu.
He said that the best remedy would be to temporarily close the particular school where the 11-year-old girl, who was tested positive for A (H1N1), came from.
Dr Mohd Puad, however, said the ministry would seek advice from the Health Ministry before deciding on whether to close schools.
As an immediate measure, he said the Health Ministry would be asked to conduct random medical checks among students in several schools in Kuala Lumpur that might be at risk.
Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said students found to have flu-like symptoms should go to hospital for a check-up.
On closing schools, he said the decision would be made on a case-by-case basis.
“We urge the public not to panic, as everything is under control,” he added.
National Union of the Teaching Profession president Hashim Adnan said teachers should take precautions by staying alert and identifying students who are unwell at school.
“Even if a student has a mild flu, he should not go to school. It’s as simple as that.”
He proposed that the Health Ministry supply masks to clinics near schools so that teachers can easily get hold of them should they need to.
“The teacher would be in closest contact with a flu-hit student, so masks could help as a preliminary preventive measure for both the student and teacher,” Hashim added.