H1N1: Ministry of Health advising vaccination

With the first case OF H1N1 recorded in Panama this year,  followed by a surveillance alert to medical centers, Panama’s Ministry of Health (MOH) is advising vaccinations especially to vulnerable groups.

 In 2009 there were 800 recorded cases but last year the number fell to 8.

When the virus was first identified, and it was known as “swine flu” there were fears of a pandemic, and the possibility that it would mutate.

La Prensa reports that  MOH Director General of Health, Lucas Eduardo Mora said the population should seek  vaccinations, especially for , children under 5, those over 60, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases. Those working in the fields of health, tourism and schools also have greater risk of infection and should seek early vaccination, he said.

Annual vaccination, is advised and   is being performed free at health centers. 

Patients can also visit their doctor.

The MoH has half a million doses of trivalent vaccine containing  attenuated virus seasonal influenza A, influenza B and influenza A (H1N1), said Mora.
Symptoms include high fever that lasts more than three days, vomiting, persistent diarrhea, chest pain, drowsiness, altered consciousness, lethargy and  loss of blood pressure.
There have already been outbreaks of H1N1 in Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Jamaica and El Salvador.