H1N1 VIRUS: Don't shun those who wear face masks

KLANG (Sept 1, 2009): Health Minister Datuk Sri Liow Tiong Lai today urged the public not to shun those who are wearing face masks as they are the safest people to be around with in the pandemic season and be "flu-wise".

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai share a light moment with student
from SJK (C) Pandamaran A after the presentation of mask to school in
Klang.

"Using the face masks is one of the best ways of controlling the A (H1N1) virus from spreading fast in the community especially to children and those from the high risk group," he told a press conference after briefing and distributing masks to schools in Klang today.

"There is no need to be embarrassed about wearing face masks as it is a very good practice and it shows that people take the flu seriously, thus we should praise them for their initiative," Liow said.

Acknowledging other countries like Japan that have made wearing face masks a wide practice in their daily lives, he said Malaysia too should make wearing face masks part of its lifestyle, so that it will become a norm in the society.

"In Malaysia, the people who wear masks become alien to others, which should not be the way. We should encourage everyone to wear masks to protect themselves and others around them by preventing the spread of their flu to others, even if it is seasonal flu," Liow stressed.

He also said that based on observance, the face masks are currently catered for adults and when children wear them, it is big and loose.

"The manufacturers should consider providing another size smaller for the children. Wearing a loose face mask is ineffective as well, as it will not do much to protect the individual, thus it is wiser to have a children’s size," Liow said.

However, he said the masks with strings are helpful as the children can tie the masks tighter, but many choose the elastic masks for convenience. Elastic masks may not fit the children’s faces properly.

Liow reiterated parents’ responsibilities in monitoring their children on a daily basis for any symptoms or fever so that early treatment may be provided before it is too late.

"Schools are hotspots for the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) and all teachers have been advised to be on high alert and monitor and screen their students, as school just resumed after one week holiday," he said.

Encouraging all students especially from the primary schools, to wear face masks everyday to school and other places, Liow said the students should also be taught of using the masks hygienically.

"Sometimes the children tend to play with the face masks, touch them all the time or dirty them while playing. They should be taught the proper way of wearing and handling the masks, regularly change masks and not wet them," he said.

About 200,000 face masks were given to 45 schools around Klang as part of the campaign to prevent and control the Influenza A (H1N1).

To date, 272 new cases were registered in the past 24 hours and the death toll in Malaysia stands at 72. Globally the total number of death cases has escalated to 3,000.

"A total of 1,373 patients with Influenza-like-illness are admitted in the hospitals nationwide and only 193 (14%) have been confirmed to be infected with the virus," Liow said, adding that about 279 patients have been discharged.

He expressed concerned about the 46 high risk patients, who are under the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) currently, adding that the Health Ministry is working very hard in creating awareness to the public on the high risk group.