Flu symptom warning: Get medical help, avoid public places

Santo Domingo.- Deputy Health minister Rafael Schiffino warned the population Tuesday to go the nearest medical facility if they show any flu symptom and to avoid public places to prevent infection.

He recommended vaccinations and said the country has 60,000 vaccines available for populations with a high risk of contracting the H1N1 virus, such as pregnant women, children and chronic disease patients.

He said Public Health has a surveillance system in place since the possible presence of the flu virus was first reported in the Dominican Republic.

Schiffino revealed that the disease has already claimed five lives in the country.

Warning

Interviewed on El Día Channel 11, the official stressed that anyone who suspects having the disease must seek immediate treatment, especially if they live in sectors where the H1N1 virus has been reported.