DOHA: The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has reassured that seasonal influenza virus A (H1N1) does not pose any epidemic threat in the country and reports being circulated on social media in this regard are exaggerated.
Health officials have clarified that most infections by the virus have been mild or moderate and most patients in hospitals have recovered. They denied reports that there is a shortage of vaccines against the virus. The SCH, in collaboration with other entities concerned, has set up a task force to spread awareness about seasonal flu and take preventive measures, with a focus on schools. Reports about three A (H1N1) cases in a primary school for girls last week have triggered concerns among the public, reflected in a flurry of comments and reactions on social media.
“A (H1N1) is a seasonal influenza virus. Every year we witness an increase in seasonal influenza cases with the beginning of winter, especially in October and November. We have seen an increase this year as well but the situation is normal and there is no need for any extraordinary measures, like closure of schools,” Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director, Public Health Department, SCH, told a press conference yesterday.
“We have taken precautionary measures and there is no shortage of vaccines in the country against the virus. The vaccine is available in all health centres,” he added.
The press conference at SCH headquarters was attended by representatives from SCH, Supreme Education Council (SEC), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Healthcare Corporation (PHCC).
Khalifa Saad Al Dirham, Director, Independent Schools Office, and Hamad Al Ghali, Director, Private Schools Office at SEC, clarified that the situation in all schools is normal, contrary to what has been reported on social media.
Dr Hussam Al Saub, Senior Consultant, Medicine and Infectious Diseases, HMC, said this year has not seen any unusual increase in A (H1N1) cases compared to last year. Cases are relatively low this year.
“Last year we tested about 12,000 samples. This year 6,000 have been tested until now,” he said. “ A (H1N1) is not as dangerous as it appeared six years ago. Only a few cases suffering from immunodeficiency may be exposed to complications leading to death,” said an SCH statement.
The SCH, in collaboration with partners, has been monitoring the virus along the year since its appearance in 2012 through its Public Health Department and National Centre for Influenza at HMC.
Qatar is among the countries exchanging information and lab results about influenza to World Health Organisation (WHO) which helps it closely monitor any changes in genetic strains of the virus.
A joint work team with representatives from the SCH, HMC, PHCC and SEC has been set up to coordinate preventive measures and raise awareness in schools and among the public in general. A workshop for school nurses will be held next Tuesday.
Vaccination is available to cover all segments at risk such as children aged six months to five years, expectant mothers, those above 65, patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney ailments, cancer and chronic lung diseases.
Though vaccination gives protection against the virus, people have been advised to take general precaution. The infected should stay at home until recovery to avoid the spread of the virus and those with severe symptoms have been advised to consult doctor.
The Peninsula
