The Health Ministry said there could be more than thousand patients with the new influenza A (H1N1), better known as swine flu, in the country. However, the 268 confirmed cases are only those who tested positive in tests carried out by the Medical Research Institute (MRI) on blood samples.

A spokesman for the Health Ministry said yesterday (26) the rest may have not suffered any complications and therefore had gone undetected. According to reports so far received, only eight deaths have occurred due to this influenza. All other claims made through the media are hearsay and have not been confirmed, he said.

The Spokesman said however that the disease caused great fear in people. The worst part is that the symptoms of swine flu are very similar to those of a normal flu condition with fever, cold, sneezing, cough, throat infection, head ache and intense muscle and joint pains. Patients showing these symptoms are suspected to be swine flue carriers. They would be admitted to government hospitals only if they show signs of serous complications.

Patients were advised take medication according to prescribed dosages, rest, increase liquids consumption, eat nutritious food, quarantine oneself so that other members of the family would not be infected, if possible one should wear a mask and wash hands with soap as often as possible- especially after sneezing or coughing one should wash hands with soap. Always use a facial tissue or a small towel to sneeze or cough into.

Should there be complications, seek immediate treatment from a qualified doctor. Stating signs of complications in patients he said adults may have difficulty in breathing, continuous vomiting, chest or abdominal pain, lack of concentration and fainting fits. If the patient has a cough or fever, even after being cured, if the patient is a child and finding difficulty in breathing, immediate medical attention should be sought.