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Swine flu cases found in Maldives, “not dangerous”: HPA

Fathmath Shaahunaz
13 March 2017, MVT 11:14
Some people pictured outside Hulhumale Hospital.
Fathmath Shaahunaz
13 March 2017, MVT 11:14

Health Protection Agency (HPA) announced late Sunday that some people have tested positive for H1N1 virus or swine flu amidst an increasing rise in influenza and respiratory diseases in the Maldives.

In a statement, the agency assured the public that whereas swine flu was first identified as a dangerous disease during its first global outbreak in 2009, it is now akin to a “common cold” with discovery of remedies for swine flu in addition to the great numbers of infected patients that recover.

However, HPA warned that swine flu still poses danger to children, elderly people and those with major health conditions such as lung diseases.

The agency stated it is currently working in collaboration with healthcare facilities under standard policies to control the disease.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to a common cold or flu with coughing, fever, runny nose, blocked nose, aches in the throat, body or head, shivering and fatigue.

Some steps to control spread of swine flu

Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

Wash hands with soap

Stay away from places where people gather; do not allow children to go to such places

In case of fever and blocked or runny nose, drink lots of liquids. Seek immediate medical attention if condition lasts longer than three days.

With the recent outbreak of cold and flu in the Maldives, flu clinics have been established in hospitals for easy consultations and tests.

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