Friends who accompanied Mafaz Mohammed Saleem, the young Sri Lankan national who died of swine flu in Riyadh early this month, tested negative for the H1N1 virus. There were concerns that the deceased might have spread the H1N1 virus to others while seeking treatment in various hospitals and polyclinics in Riyadh. Saleem, who arrived here from Dubai on a business trip, showed swine flu symptoms. Around six of Saleem's friends accompanied him to two hospitals and an equal number of polyclinics seeking treatment for the disease. As the symptoms became more severe, Saleem was taken to a number of other hospitals and polyclinics in the capital but was denied hospitalization. Saleem stayed with a Sri Lankan family which had a small baby. He also stayed at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Nassariya District. But the hotel staff said no one at the hotel tested positive for the H1N1 virus. Tests for possible swine flu infection of those who came in contact with Saleem showed negative results, said one of Saleem's friends. “Alhamdolillah, we are all safe and healthy as our swine flu tests showed negative results,” he said. According to doctors, swine flu symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, cough and headache are similar to the symptoms of common seasonal flu. However, a person with a strong immune system will be able to fight off flu viruses, both seasonal and swine flu. ”It is important to take precautionary measures, besides maintaining good personal hygiene,” a doctor here said. Since a Filipino nurse tested positive for the H1N1 virus in Riyadh in early July, around 2,000 people in the Kingdom have received treatment for swine flu. However, 95 percent of them have fully recovered and have reported back to work. Saudi Arabia has reported 14 deaths due to swine flu.
