UAE | Health

Flu prevention measures limited as holidays loom

Vaccines for H1N1 are still under clinical tests and the only precautions travellers can take when going abroad on their annual vacations is to keep away from suspected cases, doctors advise.

  • By Mahmood Saberi, Senior Reporter, and Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:26 July 3, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Doctors have advised travellers to keep away from suspected cases of H1N1, at least a metre away, to reduce the spread of germs. Picture is for illustrative purposes only.
  • Image Credit: Javed Nawab/Gulf News

Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Vaccines for H1N1 are still under clinical tests and the only precautions travellers can take when going abroad on their annual vacations is to keep away from suspected cases, doctors advise.

Interactive: H1N1 do's and don'ts

Even vaccines for common flu are no longer on the shelves as supply has run out, says one doctor, as more travellers are seeking to take precautions. "We can't even offer that this year," Dr Suresh Menon, specialist in internal medicine at Jebel Ali Hospital, said.

He said so far there is no approved vaccine for swine flu, but India might produce one by the end of this month.

Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis AG produced the first batch of swine flu vaccine last month, but said it will use the first batch for clinical testing.

While all countries are taking precautions and following WHO guidelines by checking suspected H1N1 cases coming from abroad and isolating them, the doctor advises keeping away from people who have severe coughs and colds. "Wear a mask and wash your hands often," he said.

Asked about people going to Haj or Umrah, Dr Menon said that it is high risk but that the Saudi government is taking all precautions.

Are you travelling this summer? Are you concerned about the spread of swine flu? What precautions would you be taking?


Your comments


I only can help u with your question concerning taking the tamiflu as pre-caution..they said it's not a good idea to take it if u r not infected.
Sally
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 05, 2009, 00:34

I am travelling to Bahrain tomorrow. I will wear a surgical mask on the airport as I fear this swine flu. I hope the vaccine gets tested immediately so the public can already benefit from it.
Shane
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:12

I am planning for a travel into Amsterdam in this summer. Actually these things are not much clear how to prevent swine flu. Doest it help if we take tamiflu/or any anti viral medication in advance and we keep continuing during travel time. Will it help not to get affected? I was wondering to know that. There is no clear instruction from doctors how to avoid the deadly flu. I would be much thankful if some clear advices are available.
Robi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 09:22

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