NEWS

Officials calm over flu fears

Greece is entering a normal period of seasonal flu and people should not be worried about a dangerous outbreak of the H1N1 virus, Health Ministry sources said on Monday after a sixth person who had contracted the disease died.

Authorities said that apart from the six who died, including a 14-year-old girl, another 37 who have contracted the H1N1 strain of the flu are seriously ill.

Health Ministry officials met with representatives of the Center for Infectious Diseases Control (KEEL) to decide on a strategy to tackle the infectious disease. KEEL?s Sotiris Tsiodras, a lecturer on infectious diseases at the Athens Medical School, told Kathimerini that simple things like covering one?s nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing or washing one?s hands could help prevent the virus spreading.

It was also agreed that there was no question of schools being closed despite the fact that an increasing number of children have been unable to attend classes in recent weeks due to various viruses, and not just H1N1.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.