Saturday, 4th July 2009 - 11:09CET

Swine Flu? - Call a doctor, don't go to hospital, clinics

The Health Department this morning appealed to all those suspecting Swine Flu not to go to hospital emergency departments or clinics but to stay at home and call a doctor.

All those having symptoms of the virus may also phone on the help line 2132 4086.

A spokesman for the Health Department said a large number of people went to the Mater Dei Hospital Emergency Department overnight asking to be tested for Swine Flu. The spokesman explained that this disrupted the operations of the department and increased the potential of the spread of the virus, should any person be infected. Furthermore, Swine Flu tests were not carried out there.

Meanwhile, all 16 persons confirmed so far to have H1N1 are in quarantine and recovering well.

Details on symptoms and measures to stop the spread of the virus can be found on the following link:

http://www.health.gov.mt/dsu/Influenza%20A(H1N1)/swine_broch.pdf

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Friday, September 3, 2010. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

godfrey Pac(on 5/7/09)

Crowds should be avoided. Next Wednesday we will see one of the biggest crowns ever at th MTV concert being held at the granaries at Floriana Tourists will be there, mixing with the huge crowd. Maybe less people wil attend this time.

Galea. L(on 4/7/09)

Aaron Nind
It';s not the same because first of all the doctor should wash his hands or have alcohol wipes, and secondly hundreds of visitors go to hospitals apart from those at the emergency.

Aaron Nind(on 4/7/09)

Emmm.... but what if this Doctor goes to this family then to that family, then to that family ...... Isn't it much the same?

Mrs.Hannah Creig(on 4/7/09)

Thanks Health Department for keeping us informed in case of suspecting this virus, but i think it also wise to keep clear of gatherings and crowded and confined areas..its very true as i remember that old ad. in UK..... COUGHS AND SNEEZES SPREAD DISEASES!!cover the mouth and wash your hands, i find that when shopping or coming down the escalator i always tell my kids to wash their hands especially when holding on to the chrome banisters, still its a good job all the kids that schools have broken up for the summer season.