Thailand advocates earlier medication for suspected A(H1N1) carriers
July 18, 2009 2:22 pm
BANGKOK, July 18 – Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is asking persons suspected of contracting the much-feared A(H1N1) flu to begin anti-viral medications earlier.
The ministry changed its strategy in fighting the influenza A(H1N1) virus pandemic and is now urging persons suspected of having contracted the virus to see a physician within 48 hours to begin taking the anti-viral drug Oseltamivir, a senior ministry official said Saturday.
Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Paichit Varachit earlier urged persons with other diseases but who contracted the A(H1N1) virus to see doctors three days after having a fever.
Now, suspected carriers are asked to see a doctor within 48 hours and to take Oseltamivir immediately without waiting for results of laboratory tests.
Reacting to reports Influenza A(H1N1) was recently found at swine farms near Argentina's capital Buenos Aires, Dr. Paichit said risk of a similar incidence in Thailand is slim because experts know in advance animals can contract the disease.
He said an Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry working committee monitoring the situation closely found out swine farmers in Thailand are aware that if they contract the fever, they must stop work at the farm immediately. (PNA/TNA)
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