H1N1 vaccine optional: Health Ministry

Health Ministry affirmed here yesterday that the H1N1 vaccine was optional not mandatory. Dr. Ibrahim Abdulhadi, Undersecretary at the Ministry, told KUNA that news in the media about the mandatory vaccine was not true, stressing that the situation did not require such measures to be implemented. Kuwait witnessed around 8,644 cases of the H1N1 (commonly known as the swine flue) since last April with most cases recovering from the disease.

Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that around 22 cases of swine flu H1N1 were reported this week, a drop in the number of cases in comparison to the past months.

Thus, the total number of A(H1N1) cases in Kuwait has reached 8,644 since the outbreak of the virus in the country last April, the ministry's spokesman, Qais Al-Duweiri, said.

He added, the ministry follows the World Health Organization WHO's regulations, calling upon citizens to commit to precautionary guidelines to curb the spread of the disease.

Children under the age of five, pregnant women and those over the age of 65 years are more vulnerable to the disease, in addition to those with chronic illnesses and low immune systems.

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25th swine flu death in Kuwait

"It's been awhile but I'm back and the news brought shivers to my spine. Since my last post, swine flu death toll now rose to 25th. Whoa!Keep on with your good health measures people."

KUWAIT, Nov 9, (Agencies): A woman infected with the H1N1 virus has passed away bringing total number of swine flu fatalities in Kuwait to 25, the Health Ministry announced on Monday. Spokesman of the ministry, Qais Al-Duwairi, said in a statement to KUNA that the deceased had suffered from diabetes, cardiac illnesses and high blood pressure. The dead patient had been treated with drugs and antibiotics but her condition remained unstable till she succumbed to her illnesses late last night, the spokesman said. Her demise brought the death toll of swine flu fatalities in the country to 25. Up to 99 percent of recorded swine flu cases had recovered.

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Seventh death in Kuwait

"I regret to hear about this. Yet still I'm hoping for a positive outcome. Even without the swine flu, everyone ought to pay full attention on good and proper hygiene measures. For those who are susceptible, they need it tenfold. "

Kuwait’s Ministry of Health announced the seventh death caused by swine flu, of a man aged 70 years old, who suffered from diabetes, high-blood pressure, deficiencies in the coronary artery, as well as other heart problems.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Qais Al-Diwairi told KUNA that the fatality was a severe medical case, with many complications and high fever. Although he was treated with antibiotics, he did not respond to them and died.

The ministry expressed regret for the man’s death and offered condolences to his family. The recovery rate from swine flu cases in the country has reached 99 percent, and the percentage of cases and deaths registered in Kuwait regarding this disease is considered among the lowest internationally.

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Kuwait records 6th swine flu death

"Now, another one on 6th."

September 14, 2009
KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Hilal Al-Sayer announced the sixth H1N1 (swine flu virus) death in Kuwait. The deceased is a Kuwaiti woman in her fifties who was suffering from kidney failure, heart disease and other chronic diseases. She had been hospitalized for five days.

The Ministry of Health will hold regular press conferences every three weeks with the media to keep it updated, officials said. "We will provide the media with the latest news about the H1N1 virus through regular meetings with the media," said Dr Hilal Al-Sayer during the press conference yesterday.

The conference was attended by the Minister of Education and the undersecretaries and assisting undersecretaries from both ministries. The regulations and instructions made by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the closure of schools are not random.

The WHO gave the choice to each country to decide its own regulations of closing its schools according to its local circumstances and in the case that one percent of its population was infected. I assure you that Kuwait will never reach this stage of the disease. It is not true that there are 30 or 40,000 H1N1 infected persons in Kuwait. Kuwait will apply the recommendations of the health, education, and university experts meeting that will be held as well," Al-Sayer further said.

Meanwhile, news spread about the increased price of a vaccine. "I care most about protecting the country from the H1N1 virus and not the price of the vaccine. Also, no vaccine will be imported to the country unless it was approved by the WHO," he pointed out. According to the Minister of Education, Dr Moudhi Al-Humoud, there are three H1N1 infected cases in private schools, of which two were cured already.

The third is now receiving treatment. "About 120 school clinics were divided into the different education areas. There will be 20 clinics in each educational area in cooperation with the Ministry of Health," said Al-Humoud. The Ministry of Education increased it efforts due to the emergency situation of the H1N1 virus.

We must follow procedures to decrease the danger of this disease, including the meetings with the Ministry of Health. Based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health and the WHO about the danger of this disease on the life of students who are under 5-years-old and who have weak immune systems and the handicapped, the Ministry of Education issued a decision previously to delay the school year for the kindergarten and the schools with special needs in both the private and public sectors, but it has no
t been applied yet.

In addition, awareness instructions were given to the teachers for such situations," Al-Homoud concluded. Regarding the news about the need for two vaccines to cure the H1N1 virus, the spokesman of the Ministry of Health, Faisal Al-Dosary, told the Kuwait Times that it was not true. "Only one vaccine is enough. According to all the research conducted, one vaccine will cover 96 percent of the disease," he stated.

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Pointless swine flu panic is not the answer

"Swine flu scare that is.. everyone seems to be affected especially those with little children. Geared with the right mindset and providing the proper health care for ourselves and our families, beyond doubt we will do immensely well."

September 01, 2009
To go to school or not to go to school; that is the question.

The National Assembly and the Council of Ministers have been going back on forth on whether public schools should reopen as scheduled at the end of September, or whether the reopening should be postponed due to the swine flu epidemic. The reason is that many MPs are worried that swine flu could spread quickly among young children. By postponing the start of the school year, parents might have enough time to vaccinate their children or take other necessary precautions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already stated that it does not recommend postponing the reopening of schools and, as far as I know, many other countries hit by swine flu have not postponed it. But leave it to our MPs to blow things out of proportion and create an unnecessary health scare, just to score some points with their constituents.

That swine flu is an infectious disease is undeniable. Adults and children need to take precautions against it and parents should educate their children about the importance of washing their hands frequently and putting their hands over their mouth when they cough. However, it must be stated in clear and simple language that swine flu is not automatically fatal, unless it infects individuals with preexisting health problems, such as obesity, pneumonia or pregnancy. Furthermore, most of the 200+ patients that have been infected in Kuwait have been cured and are now back to living their lives normally. The epidemic is real, but delaying the reopening of schools is not a cure; it is just an overreaction.

Full story on source:

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Health panel meets; Govt insists 'no delay' for schools

"News on the first day of the month is as hot as the climate we are having right now. I am strongly definite everyone just yearns for safety against swine flu for all the students once school starts."

September 01, 2009
KUWAIT: The National Assembly health and labor committee will hold an expanded meeting today to discuss government preparations to face any possible outbreak of swine flu when students return to school by the end of September. Education Minister Modhi Al-Humoud however insisted that there will be no delay in reopening the schools beyond September 27 for Arabic schools and September 13 for private schools.

Humoud added that the ministry has taken all the necessary precautions along with the ministry of health. The minister's view was strongly backed yesterday by the World Health Organization expert who is visiting Kuwait. The expert said that the swine flu situation in Kuwait was "reassuring" and there was no need to delay reopening the schools on schedule. But MPs who are pushing for an emergency session of the National Assembly to discuss the swine flu situation said yesterday they were too close to get the required signatures to force the session.

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Kuwait warns against online H1N1 drug sales

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"A health care warning for everyone that is not worth taken for granted is never do self-medication. Information like this is crucial for everyone not only in Kuwait but also, for everyone around the globe."

Kuwait: August 24
Kuwait's Pharmaceutical Services Office and Poison Centre has warned the public not to buy antiviral drugs to treat swine flu via the internet without a doctor's prescription. By using such drugs, patients may increase the risk of weakening their resistance towards the virus, the Centre's Director Issam Al Baho said. He urged people to ensure an online pharmacy is legitimate before buy medicines, particularly from countries where online sales are not licensed.

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Kuwait confirms third swine flu death

"Here's hoping for infected AH1N1 patients to recover well in spite of conditions that might complicate their health."

25 August 2009
A Kuwaiti man infected with swine flu has died, bringing number of related deaths in the Gulf country to three.

Ministry of Health spokesman Dr Youssef Al-Nisf said the man, who died in the intensive care unit, also had very acute respiratory infections and obesity.

Al-Nisf added that the citizen was admitted to the hospital on August 17, where he was isolated and subjected to anti-viral treatment, KUNA News Agency reported.

This is the third swine-flu related case of death in Kuwait while the number of infected cases stands at 1,072.

Source here:

Kuwait health chiefs confirm first swine flu death

"Hope everyone does a good health care for themselves and their families."

20 August 2009
Kuwait has reported its first swine flu death, health chiefs confirmed.

A young man who was already suffering from severe pneumonia has died from the H1N1 virus, the first person in the country to succumb to the disease, Health Ministry spokesman Youssef Al-Nisf said.

The victim was Kuwaiti and aged in his twenties, KUNA News Agency reported.

More than 900 people have contracted the H1N1 virus in Kuwait but most of them have been treated and discharged from hospital, officials said.

Source here:

MoH ‘urged’ to provide face masks to students, teachers

"Face mask though should be worn only once and properly disposed of to prevent spread of contamination. I am crossing my fingers that swine flu wouldn't become pandemic in case, schools are considered to close by MOE."

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: Ministry of Education (MoE) Undersecretary Tomadher Al-Sedarawi has asked the Ministry of Health (MoH) to distribute face masks to students and teachers at the start of the new academic year to prevent further spread of swine flu, reports Al-Anba daily. Indicating she expects MoH to equip 120 school clinics - 20 in each educational zone - with the necessary tools to combat swine flu, Al-Sedarawi asked the ministry to provide the required equipment and certain number of nurses by companies contracted to render such services. She also confirmed plans to use theaters and sports halls in schools located near the hospitals and clinics as shelters for infected persons, in coordination with MoH and Voluntary Work Center, which is currently headed by Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad. She said MoE has asked the Union of Private Schools to appoint a communications officer, who will coordinate with the team tasked to control swine flu in case of an outbreak in schools.

Al-Sedarawi disclosed MoE has also reached an agreement with the Cooperative Societies Union to provide cleaning items to schools, as part of its plan to launch a cleanliness campaign at the beginning of the new school year. She said the ministry will ensure that the schools are cleaned frequently, especially the tables to prevent any contamination. Affirming an emergency hotline will be provided for schools to immediately report swine flu cases to the health centers, Al-Sedarawi ruled out the possibility of postponing the opening of the new academic year as the ministry is keen on taking the necessary precautionary measures, along with its health counterpart, to protect the health of students, teachers and administrative staff. Revealing the ministry has started taking steps to accommodate more than 185,000 students in the next academic year, Al- Sedarawi explained the campaign includes Arabic schools and talks have also started on the possibility of providing MoE with vaccines, although the expected quantity is very minimal.

Asserting MoE will always consider the suggestions of its health counterpart to prevent the spread of swine flu, Al-Sedarawi admitted “we might consider closing down schools in case of a pandemic.” She also vowed to coordinate with other concerned officials to look into the possibility of reducing time allocated for the morning assembly to avoid crowds in schools. Commenting on Al-Sedarawi’s request to provide schools with face masks, Public Health Department Manager Dr Rashid Al-Owais pointed out this mechanism has been proven effective in other parts of the world. He clarified only doctors and nurses looking after infected patients are required to wear these masks. Confirming that MoH will provide school clinics with face masks and protective gear, stated Kuwait has ordered 45,000 vaccination injections, which will be delivered in October. Meanwhile, Chairman of Private Schools Union Omar Al-Ghareer asked MoE to coordinate closely with the cooperative societies for the supply of cleaning items at the beginning of the school year. He also urged owners of private schools to prepare quarantine rooms for suspected swine flu cases in schools prior to their transfer to the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

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Cabinet urged to take necessary measures on tackling ‘swine flu’

"Despite the increasing swine flu cases, health officials are not taking things for granted. They continue keeping things in order and improving measures to control swine flu. The private schools union will also discuss important matters regarding prevention working on a proposal to protect students and prevent outbreak of the disease in schools."

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 9: Reform and Development Bloc member MP Dr Jamaan Al-Harbash on Sunday asked the Cabinet to take the necessary precautionary measures to combat swine flu (H1N1 virus). Affirming that 500 or more people have been infected with swine flu in Kuwait, Al-Harbash reiterated his bloc’s proposal to postpone opening of the new academic year to prevent further spread of the virus. “According to international health organizations, the virus might spread at an alarming rate at the beginning of the new academic year. The Ministry of Health (MoH) must immediately take the necessary precautions, such as delaying the opening of the new academic year, which should not be a point of debate among officials at the Ministry of Education (MoE). This step requires careful planning to ensure the safety of our nation,” Al-Harbash opined. Criticizing the Cabinet for its failure to launch additional public awareness campaigns, Al-Harbash argued such campaigns will greatly contribute in trimming down the number of swine flu cases in the country. He asserted the bloc is closely monitoring the Cabinet’s actions, particularly those related to this pandemic.

Agencies add:

The Union of Private Schools is working on a proposal that discusses the prevention of swine flu in foreign private schools in the new semester beginning Aug 20, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting reliable sources. According to the sources, the union will submit this proposal to representatives at the Ministry of Health during a meeting scheduled to be held on Aug 12. The meeting will be attended by owners and principals of private schools, and will discuss the proposal. The sources added if the Ministry approves the proposal, it will be circulated to all schools. The source pointed out the report includes precautionary steps to be taken by school administrations to protect students and prevent an outbreak of the disease. They also said issuing vaccinations in Arab and foreign schools is an important precautionary measure.

Full story on source:

Kuwait's swine flu numbers rise to 111, teens susceptible

"As you can see, almost all new reported cases of swine flu in Kuwait are from individuals going to and returning from trips abroad. Well, in the heat of the moment let's continue to keep our chin up. Good hygiene measures."

Published Date: July 30, 2009
KUWAIT: Kuwait's health authorities are closely monitoring cases diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, amid warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) that most of those infected worldwide are teenagers, aged between 12 and 17, and that swine flu could spread among school children. The Ministry of Health is working around the clock, especially after the number of cases reported in the country rose to 111, with the global total currently standing at around 80,000, of whom 359 have died, according to the WHO.

Mohsen Burguba, director of the Ministry of Education's (MoE) Public Relations and Media Department, said that the health and education ministries were working closely to take the necessary precautions to safeguard pupils, and are launching an awareness campaign about the nature of the virus and ways of dealing of it before the beginning of the next academic year sees schools reopening.

Full story from source:

10 new H1N1s in Kuwait

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"Since Ramadan and Hajj pilgrimage are fast approaching without our knowing, we expect a lot of travelers in the middle east. Well, everyone you know what to do as I've been saying it all the time. Good hygiene and surely, you will be alright."

From source:

KUWAIT, July 22, (Agencies): Kuwait’s Health Ministry reported Wednesday 10 new swine flu cases, involving citizens and expatriates, bringing the total to 54 recorded cases. The ministry’s spokesman Dr Yusuf Al-Nisuf told KUNA that lab reports came back positive for the H1N1 virus, and the 10 infected were currently hospitalized and their conditions stable. Two of the swine flu cases contracted the disease through direct interaction with a person who just arrived from Umrah, whereas the rest had arrived from Thailand and Dubai. The ministry is closely observing the situation and is ready to deal with emergency according to the recommendations and regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO), Al-Nisuf added. The ministry has taken all measures to contain the disease through careful observation, the official reiterated. Most of the cases have fully recovered and are resuming their normal life, Al-Nisuf stated. The age range of the registered cases is between 16 to 35, plus a number of cases of infants and seniors, he added.

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Two confirmed cases by MOH

"I have nothing much to say now but hoping for the best."

The Ministry of Health announced on Sunday a further two confirmed cases of the A(H1N1) swine flu virus, adding up to a total of 32 victims registered in Kuwait. The two cases include a young Kuwaiti girl who had arrived at Kuwait International Airport from Australia and a Kuwaiti man who had arrived from Saudi Arabia, the ministry’s spokesperson Yousif Al-Nisf told KUNA.

Al-Nisf added that the two individuals were in stable conditions and were currently receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital. All those who have come into contact with the sufferers have been tested as a precaution and have been given awareness tips according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the spokesman indicated. So far, he said, 26 of the total number of sufferers have recovered and have returned to their normal everyday lives.

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Kuwait announces new swine flu case

"24 out of 29 patients recovered and were discharged from the hospital."

Published Date: July 18, 2009
KUWAIT: Kuwait's Health Ministry announced yesterday a new swine flu case of a Kuwaiti child who returned from Thailand, raising number of registered cases of the A (H1N1) virus to 29.

Ministry spokesman Dr Yusuf Al-Nisf said laboratory tests showed that the child, whose name nor age were revealed, was infected with the swine flu virus and would be treated in the Infectious Diseases Hospital. He said all people who were with the child would be examined. Al-Nisf said 24 people out of the 29 cases were discharged and returned to normal life, while the rest would be leaving hospital soon. The spokesman said the health ministry was monitoring the situation and was dealing with the patients in line with the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). - KUNA

From source:

The Higher Committee is holding talks

Image via Wikipedia

"This sounds right to me."

KUWAIT CITY, July 14:
The Higher Committee for Fighting the H1N1 Swine Flu Epidemic is holding talks to stop notifying the media about new infections or recoveries in Kuwait, as the situation has improved, reports Al-Seyassah daily quoting the Director of the General Health Department Dr Rashid Al-Uwaish. He said most states have stopped informing the media about new infections and are now only notifying the World Health Organization (WHO) through periodic reports. He added the Information Committee concerned with fighting the disease plans to conduct awareness campaigns over a time span of six months.

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Kuwait reports new swine flu case

"Remarkably, those infected patients here in Kuwait recovered well and those left admitted are getting better despite 3 new cases. Still and will always hope for the best."

by Martin Morris on Wednesday, 01 July 2009

Kuwait's Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday that a male Kuwaiti teenager who recently arrived from Egypt has tested positive for the H1N1 virus.

"The new infection case pushed to 17 the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in Kuwait including two children," the ministry's spokesman Youssof Al-Nisf told KUNA, referring to the cases registered in Kuwait.

See full story

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Toll climbs as three new flu cases discovered in Kuwait

"No matter how much total cases we have in Kuwait, let's take it to heart to be wary. How, you might ask. It entirely depends on you. We have heard the old adage, "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure." It still holds true."

KUWAIT CITY, June 26, (Agencies): Three Kuwaiti nationals that have returned home from abroad have been confirmed to be infected with the swine flu-causing A/H1N1 virus, bringing the total cases to 15, the Health Ministry announced on Friday. Ministry Spokesman Dr. Yousef Al-Nisif told KUNA that the lab tests confirmed that the three nationals carried the virus, adding that they had been referred to the Contagious Diseases Hospital and that those with whom they had come in contact with were also tested as a precautionary measure. Six treated cases have been discharged after full recovery, he noted. “There is no cause for concern, and the ministry has been keeping up with developments since the very beginning and thus placed an emergency plan to combat the pandemic,” he said. Al-Nisif noted that most of the infected persons around the world had recovered, and that a vaccine was anticipated to be out by the end of the year.

See full story

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Cabinet discusses precautions taken to combat swine flu virus

Image by khalid almasoud via Flickr

"Well, this news is quite a healthy measure regarding precautions in the country that has been up lately. Don't you think?"

KUWAIT CITY, June 22, (KUNA): The Cabinet, in its regular weekly session on Monday, discussed precautions taken to combat the A/H1N1 virus, as well as efforts to develop the country’s financial market. During the session, headed by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a briefing was made by Health Minister Hilal Musaed Al-Sayer on developments of the swine flu-causing A/H1N1 virus, after new cases were recently declared in Kuwait. The briefing also included all precautions taken in line with recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the Health Ministry’s follow-up of cases under treatment and people they came in contact with.

The minister also highlighted measures that were taken to provide all requirements for laboratories in order to test samples and work around the clock, while noting the special operations room that was set up to respond to any queries about swine flu. Al-Sayer emphasized that full coordination was ongoing between the Contagious Diseases Hospital, the Emergency Medical Services Department and local hospitals over means to deal with infected people and how to admit and transfer cases. Cabinet members lauded the great efforts of the Health Ministry in dealing with swine flu and taking all necessary precautions to combat this disease in coordination with international organizations and other countries, to guarantee the safety of citizens.

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**LET'S FACE IT SQUARELY - THE SWINE FLU SCARE

Whether it is by a quirk of fate or carelessness that individuals get infected by swine flu and with all the news and hearsay dominating around Kuwait, should anyone get scared? Uh-oh, I don't think so.

From my readings, swine flu has been controlled since last month after the recovery of infected 18 US soldiers who already left the country. It's good to learn that strict precautions have been enforced by the Health Ministry. Though there is yet no specific vaccine available for the new strain of influenza virus, flu shots are readily available.

So anyone, how should we deal with the swine flu scare in Kuwait? Here are some tips I believe are crucial to those concerned. In no particular order:

• Tip #1: For Pete's sake, rule out panic. It will make matters worst anyway. Find healthy ways to deal with it.

• Tip #2: Be a germ buster. Make it a point to avoid catching the so-called A-H1N1 virus. How? Proper hand washing should be done frequently especially after coughing or sneezing and when coming home from outdoors (I strictly instill this rule on my hubby especially when handling our kids after coming from work). Avoid contact with people manifesting flu-like signs and symptoms (fever, headache, chills, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue and body aches).

• Tip #3: Avoid spreading germs yourself by covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because these are ways of spreading germs.

• Tip #4: When sick, pleeaaaase stay home and isolate. Well, only for awhile until you get better. For those working, call in sick quick.
  

• Tip #5: Be well-versed. Increase health awareness. Keep track of health advise from your local government.
  

• Tip #6: Comply to proper health care for you and your family. Or get a flu shot if you must.
  

• Tip #7: Stay well hydrated especially during hot dry summer season. Eat fruits and take Vitamin C and other essential vitamins and minerals as advised by your doctor.

The diagram below shows the proper technique in hand washing (a universal precaution) of at least 15 seconds, part and parcel in avoiding spread of A-H1N1 virus as well as other harmful microorganisms. It's plain simple, isn't it?

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