Today, New Influenza A (H1N1), an epidemic, has become a global health issue. It is not deadly if cured effectively in time. If the highly infectious disease grows into a pandemic, it can cost lives and cause economic and social losses. The people are therefore to participate in preventive measures against the fatal disease.

Since the early February 2010, Chin State, Yangon Division and Shan State have faced human cases on New Influenza A (H1N1). So, the Ministry of Health is now taking preventive measures such as working in cooperation with local authorities, giving health education, providing effective treatment to the victims, and monitoring the outbreak.

The flu is a new strain of swine-origin H1N1. So, laboratory test is the only means to identify the infection of the disease. Its symptoms include high body temperature, running nose, cold, cough, physical pains, headache, easy tiredness, and hard breathe, which are similar to that of other influenzas. So, a person with flu-like symptoms should take medical check-up in nearest clinic, hospital or health centre.

In particular, educative talks about the disease should be held for the knowledge of school-age children, and young people. After every sneeze or cough, a person has to wash his hands thoroughly. And we should avoid going to crowded places and wear surgical masks as part of prevention.

The people are, therefore, urged to extend a helpful hand with a sense of duty to local administrative bodies, and health staff in the disease control and preventive measures.