The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reiterated that H1N1 (Swine Flu) is a seasonal disease and not an emerging epidemic.
This was announced by the MOH Spokesman, Eng. Faisal Al-Zahrani, who highlighted that naming H1N1 Flu as “Swine Flu” is no longer accurate from the scientific point of view, since this virus has become a type of human influenza, and has no relation with pigs or any other animal.
Within the same vein, the MOH has called on the media outlets and social networking websites to verify the accuracy and get the information from its authentic sources. Meanwhile, the MOH expresses its readiness to receive any inquiries and answer them, as soon as possible, in such a manner that achieves health security, avoids confusing the public opinion and helps reassure the public.
Furthermore, the MOH indicated that influenza virus is an infectious disease of great morbidity rates, but there is a qualitative treatment for the infected people, which can also prevent the disease incidence among the people who are in contact with patients. The Ministry added that an effective vaccine is available to be given annually, which can protect against the disease complications and reduce its symptoms, Allah Willing.
It is worth mentioning that the MOH calls upon citizens and residents to get the seasonal influenza vaccine, which is available at the MOH’s hospitals and health centers, in addition to some private hospitals. This comes within the MOH’s efforts to immunize the largest possible number of citizens and residents, especially the groups most prone to complications such as: people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, children from 6 months to 5 years and the elderly.
Over and above, the MOH has circulated to all health affairs directorates, to follow up with those persons in contact with confirmed cases, give the preventive treatment to those in direct contact with them, especially who are at high risk of developing complications, and follow up with them.