No Plans to Delay Schools over Swine Flu
Health Ministry Director-General Dr. Walid Ammar said it makes no sense to postpone the academic year over the swine flu outbreak because the virus is present in the atmosphere.
While the virus has so far killed two in Lebanon, Ammar said the H1N1 proved able to spread quickly among humans.
"The ferociousness of the virus, however, poses a moderate risk since the death rate is one in every 5,000 cases which is lower than the seasonal flu death rate," Ammar said in an interview published by the daily An-Nahar on Friday.
He said a large number of people are likely unaware that they had been infected with the virus and will recover without taking medicine.
Ammar said less than 50 percent of those who get infected with swine flu will need to take medicine for the regular seasonal influenza.
Among those who need to take Tamiflu, Ammar explained, are pregnant women, elderly persons and people with diabetes and asthma as well as those with special health care needs.
Ammar said the health ministry has drawn up a plan to deal with the virus.
"It makes no sense to delay schools since the virus will continue to be present," he clarified.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of Catholic schools father Marwan Tabet said Catholic schools have no plans to suspend classes over the swine flu.