H1N1 Swine Flu Influenza does not have mercy on Bhutanese people

Bhutan is one of the latest countries to join rest of the countries in the world to be affected by Influenza A H1N1. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Referral Hospital detected two persons H1N1 positive this week. Both the patients have no history of travel outside Bhutan. The disease is caused by a virus called Strain H1N1 and has similar symptoms with other common fever, cough and cold. Immediately the case was detected, BBS hosted a live telecast on the issue. During the live telecast, the Health Secretary Dasho Dr. Gado Tshering said that people should not get panicked by hearing this. He however, cautioned the general public to take extra care and precautions to prevent it from getting the disease. Dr. Gosar Pemba said that one should wash hands frequently with soap, which one of the best methods to prevent the disease. He also advised the people to avoid going to crowed instead should stay at home and drink a lot of water. He further said that one should come to the hospital in case of any fever, cough and cold instead of thinking that these are normal fever. Dr. Gado Tshering added that Bhutanese people usually don’t have the habit of drinking enough water but he insisted to drink a lot. He said people with cardiac disease, diabetes and other diseases usually weak are more prone to this disease and hence should be more careful and take necessary precautions. The Chief Program officer of the Ministry of Health said that Bhutan has enough preparations on the issue. All the exits and entry points including Paro International Airport are equipped with necessary medical tools to detect and quarantine such cases. But the real situation is still are risk and more needs to done from the public side. The health Secretary warned that people should not be complacent about the issue by thinking that since Bhutan is a religious and Buddhist country, therefore, such diseases will not occur by their grace and blessings. He warned the people that more than 145 countries around the Globe are affected by this diseases and Bhutan is no exception.