JEDDAH: Awareness of the H1N1 flu epidemic and the precautionary measures needed against the virus were highlighted in a conference held at King Abdulaziz University on Monday night. The conference was held largely in the light of the large number of pilgrims that come to the Kingdom.
Dr. Traiq Madani, professor of internal medicine and infectious diseases at the university, said if people take basic precautions they could contribute in reducing the chances of spreading H1N1 virus. “Things such as washing hands with soap and staying away from people who are infected with any type of flu could help in preventing people from contacting the virus,” he said.
Explaining the symptoms of swine flu, Madani said it is similar to the seasonal influenza in nature. The symptoms include sudden fever, cough, muscle pains and extreme fatigue. In addition, it could cause diarrhea and vomiting.
“If you have to meet someone with flu-like symptoms, stay at least a meter away from that person. Also avoid traveling to areas where the virus is known to have spread, take plenty of rest and avoid sleeping late,” he said.
The conference’s panel included Dr. Esam Ibrahim Azhar, vice dean of graduate studies and scientific research at KAU.
“The H1N1 virus is considered by the World Health Organization as one of the most dangerous and contagious viruses,” Azhar said.
He said KAU labs are ready to diagnose the virus and isolate it for further research if a case is reported in Saudi Arabia.
Azhar said people should take these prevention measures seriously, because it will help stem the spread of the virus and any other viruses. Thermal cameras that monitor people’s body temperature are not dependable as the virus carriers could take antipyretic medicines to help them bypass the cameras.
