Monday, August 3, 2009

Vietnam: Public concern growing over influenza A

August 3, 2009 11:36:46
The influenza A (H1N1) has driven many people to protect themselves with medical masks and the demand for H1N1 tests has risen, despite doctors protests not to waste time and money.

When the global pandemic first came in April and was detected in Vietnam at the end of May, medical masks were recommended only at international airports where foreigners came from the early worst-hit countries.

But as the spread of the virus has reached community-level with more schools and office buildings infected, people have started to protect themselves mostly with paper masks.

A resident in District 7 whose son is attending primary school in District 1 said the teacher requires students to wear a mask in class.

Several companies and offices in the city have bought medical masks for their employees, especially for those who receive outside guests every day.

At some places, the masks are selling for more than VND200,000 (US$11) a box of 50, almost seven times the normal price.

-snip-



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