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Swine flu testing for those with severe symptoms -- undersecretary |
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News -
Health
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Saturday, 31 October 2009 23:35 |
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Testing for the A(H1N1) virus is administered for those showing severe flu symptoms and those admitted to hospital
, in line with regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO), said Health Undersecretary Dr. Ibrahim Al-Abdulhadi on Saturday.
Speaking to KUNA, he said that according to international protocols and regulations, Tamiflu was being prescribed to those with chronic diseases - asthma, diabetes and heart conditions - as well as those above the age of 65 and children under the age of five.
Tamiflu is also being given to those with bronchial, blood, kidney and liver conditions, as well as people with low immunity and severe obesity, and pregnant women without first testing them, he said.
He explained that for the rest of the patients, they were given medication to reduce their temperatures, adding that there was no need to test them or to administer Tamiflu.
Al-Abdulhadi reassured the public that the situation in the country was not a cause for concern and that the Health Ministry was following the matter closely.
The increase in swine flu cases was anticipated with the onset of the winter season, he said.
The undersecretary called on private hospitals to follow the ministry's regulations and WHO protocols with regard to which patients required testing.
The A(H1N1) vaccination campaign will kick off tomorrow. - Kuna
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