Expatriate workers were the target of a swine flu awareness seminar here on Tuesday aimed at providing information about how people can protect themselves from the H1N1 virus. A large number of expatriate workers, mostly Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, attended the swine flu program, and a photo exhibition was also held on the sidelines of the seminar to educate people about the swine flu virus through graphic presentations. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 150 swine flu cases have been officially recorded in the Kingdom, including both Saudis and expatriate nationals, with more being registered every day. Medical practitioners delivered lectures on swine flu at the seminar, which was the first such event focused exclusively on the expatriate community in Riyadh. Eight doctors participated in the awareness program, which was aimed at educating people, particularly expatriate workers who had heard about swine flu but did not know how easily it could be transmitted from person to person. Dr. Mukundan, a general practitioner, said that maintaining good personal hygiene and taking preventive measures in daily life would help in safeguarding one against the H1N1 swine flu virus. However, Dr. Siddiqul Akbar said it was everyone's responsibility to combat the spread of swine flu, which would be possible if people from all walks of life take precautions whether at work or at home. He said people should cover their nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and should wash their hands, particularly after visits to any public places, such as, malls, polyclinics or hospitals. The H1N1 virus can live for up to two hours after being expelled from a person's body by sneezing or coughing. The virus may reside on areas, such as, doorknobs, handrails, counters and other similar places where healthy people may come in contact with it. This is the way the virus is transmitted, Akbar explained, adding that people visiting public places, particularly airports and malls and those visiting patients suspected of having swine flu should take all possible precautions in order to protect themselves from the virus. “Wearing a face mask while visiting crowded places will reduce your chances of contracting the virus,” one doctor said. In a question and answer session that was held after medical experts spoke, those who attended the seminar were warned that the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu. One doctor explained that swine flu symptoms can include fever (which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent), cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue or tiredness (which can be extreme). Diarrhea and vomiting are sometimes seen and are more common than with seasonal flu. Signs of a more serious swine flu infection may include pneumonia and respiratory failure. The swine flu awareness seminar was organized by Hara Safa Makkah Polyclinic in the interest of public health, particularly for those foreign workers who do not have access to newspapers and other television channels. Other doctors who spoke at the H1N1 health awareness program included: Dr. Mohammed Labbah, Dr. Gopalan, Dr. Shahzadi, Dr. Jameela, Dr. Tippu Sulthan, and Dr. Rizwana.
