Seminar on new developments in swine flu delivered in Kuwait.

KUWAIT: The Egyptian Cultural Office organized a medical seminar under the patronage of the Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Taher Farhat. It was titled ‘New Developments in Swine Flu.’ Public health specialist and Head of the Department at Mubarak hospital, Dr Ahmad Khalil was the keynote speaker in the seminar. Human beings contract the flu when they come in contact with infected swine. The reverse can also occur when the animal contracts the virus, leading it to the creation of mutated virus.

The mutated virus is then transferred to humans, which then turns into a contagious disease like the seasonal flu. Coughing and sneezing through the mouth and nose can spread the virus. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of the seasonal flu that is characterized by a sudden increase in temperature, coughing, pain in the muscles. This virus causes diarrhea and vomiting at a much severe degree than the normal flu, reported Al-Anba.

He added that some precautionary measures could prevent it from being transmitted – washing hands with soap several times during the day, especially after coming in contact with animals, and by avoiding getting closer to an infected person. This is in addition to covering the mouth and nose with a napkin while coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching around the eye contour area and the nose in case the hands are dirty to avoid transmitting the virus.
Dr Khalil emphasized that the infection is not air borne, but is spread by sneezing and coughing. Patients should be examined from a considerable distance so that the infection can be avoided.

Pregnant women and young children are the most vulnerable, including asthma patients. Speaking about the vaccine, he said that it can be administered to pregnant women, baby sitters, medical emergency staff, adults who fall in the range between 19 to 24 age group.