UAE residents express concerns about swine flu

Dubai: As the number of cases of swine flu increase around the globe, the sound of a sneeze might be a warning sign for many.

The Health Ministry in the UAE confirmed that the region is free of the disease. Additionally, they are working on steps to prevent the flu from entering the country. Gulf News readers, however, are concerned about the situation.

Syeda Maheen Jafri, a Pakistani expatriate, is worried about her family residing in the US.

She said: "My brother and sister-in-law live in the areas that have apparently been hit by swine flu. I have spoken to my brother and he says he has not come across anyone who has been affected, yet."

Ana M. O'Reilly, an American expatriate, plans to travel to the US next week. She said: "I have been reading about the flu in the newspapers and I consider wearing a mask when I arrive in the US. I prefer to be on the safe side, as the flu might have spread all over the country."

O'Reilly's family resides in Puerto Rico.

She said: "My family is making sure that they have enough medicine in reserve, to prepare themselves psychologically."

Bina Mathews, an Indian expatriate, is satisfied with the newspaper's coverage on swine flu. She said: "I do not think there is any way to escape the media coverage. It is in the newspaper, on the television and the radio."