December 8, 2009 - 18:13 AMT
Armenia claim that H1N1 not differ from ordinary flu, but urge caution
Chairman of the RA NA Standing Committee of Health Ara Babloyan told a press conference on Dec. 8 that the virus H1N1 ( "swine flu") has the same pattern that an ordinary flu. There is no need in taking special measures against this virus.
"Closure of schools and kindergartens is a classical measure to prevent the possible epidemic, rather than the measure taken in connection with a complicated situation in Armenia. But as the H1N1 virus is not fully studied and is prone to mutation, everybody must be alert and cautious, " Ara Babloyan stressed.
According Ara Babloyan, WHO recommends to vaccinate not the whole population, but people at risk: small children, people with chronic illnesses, the elderly and pregnant women. He informed that the French Embassy in Armenia for the last three days has been vaccinating against H1N1 citizens of France, located in Armenia.
Ara Babloyan informed, that 40 patients suffering from H1N1 influenza are currently registered in Armenia.