Quarantine conditions
"Swine flu cases have already been recorded, but there is no cause for panic. Everyone must be more careful," RA Health Minister Harutyun Kushkyan said during a press conference today.
Hospitals have made the transition to quarantine by the order of the Minister, meaning that doctors only greet and see patients off with masks. According to Kushkyan, there is no need for strict anti-epidemic measures in Armenia yet, but the government is ready to take any measure in case of need.
The World Health Organization had foreseen to start vaccinations in January in Armenia, but vaccinations will start soon due to the fact that there are already swine flu cases in Armenia. The first to get vaccinated will be the risk groups, including doctors, youth and service representatives. Children will receive a more extenuating vaccine.
Will the vaccination be government-funded, or will citizens have to pay for it? In response, Harutyun Kushkyan promised that they will be government-funded.
"A1+" also asked Kushkyan if government officials and deputies would be in the first group to be vaccinated. In response, Kushkyan said that they would be in the first group, but would have to pay for the vaccination.
Mr. Kushkyan warned once again that the symptoms of the H1N1 (swine flu) disease are the same-high temperature during the cold season, weakness, lack of hunger, headaches, red eyes and coughing. Some patients may also have sore throats, heartburns and vomiting.
To avoid such effects, the Minister of Health advised citizens to get first-aid in case of such symptoms. In that period, patients are asked to stay as far from people as possible and drink 2-3 liters of liquids a day.
The only drug that fights against the A/H1N1/ (swine flu) virus in Armenia is "Tamiflu". There are only 7.5 thousand drugs, but Armenia needs a dose of 30,000.
