DON'T PANIC - 15,000 swine flu vaccines available, more coming

File: Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan ... no need for panic

Health Minister Dr Fuad confirmed on Sunday that the ministry has already distributed about 15,000 Swine Flu vaccines to hospitals and health centres across the country. And he said another 60,000 are coming from the Pan Amwerican Health Organisation (PAHO) in the next few days.

The minister also said there is no need for the majority of the population to have the vaccine. However he advised that people should be careful not to spread the virus, which is highly contagious.

Khan said only high risk people need to have the vaccination. These include:

• Pregnant women
• Children under 2
• Persons with respiratory complications like asthma and chronic lung disease
• Persons with weakened immune systems
• Persons on chemotherapy therapy for transplants or other medical conditions
• Persons with chronic non-communicable diseases including diabetes
• Persons 65 years and older

Swine Flu (H1N1) symtoms include:

• a sudden high fever (over 38°C or 100°F), sore throat 
• runny or stuffy nose
• coughing
• headache
• body aches and fatigue 

Treatment is available at hospitals and other health care centres. The ministry has advised all persons in the high risk groups to seek early medical attention.