‘Avoid public places’ advice for those with flu symptoms

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: People with symptoms of flu have been advised to stay away from public places as the Health Ministry reported 257 new cases of Influenza A (H1N1) over the last 24 hours up to 8am yesterday.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said people with symptoms of flu should avoid going to public places such as shopping malls and avoid using public transportation.
“The Health Ministry has found that many people suffering from influenza A(H1N1) were not co-operating to contain the spread of the disease,” Dr Mohd Ismail said in a statement.
No deaths were reported in the 24 hours up to 8am yesterday. Of the 257 new cases reported, 36 were under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of hospitals, and 21 of these cases had been classified as being in the risk category.
These are patients who were pregnant or in the post-delivery period, suffering from diabetes, chronic ailments, asthma, obese or being special children.
Dr Mohd Ismail said people with a mild flu could spread the virus to others when they coughed or sneezed.
”As such, those with flu symptoms should remain at home and not visit public places, offices or schools until they have recovered,” he said.
Dr Mohd Ismail advised members of the public to keep themselves updated by surfing the special H1N1 website, h1n1.moh.gov.my, or contacting the hotlines at 03-8881 0200 or 03-8881 0300.