First H1N1 death reported in Singapore this
year
An elderly man has died from H1N1-related causes, the first such
reported case this year.
77-year-old Mohd Lazim Kalang died in hospital on Wednesday, due
to a lung infection.
But experts say the flu strain has not become more severe since the
pandemic in 2009.
Mohd Lazim was sent to the Singapore General Hospital on 15 January
after running a fever for several days.
A few days later, he was diagnosed with H1N1.
But a lung infection soon set in, and by then it was too
late.
Mohd Lazim died from pneunomia 10 days after being
warded.
At his family home in Bedok, his son-in-law Ali Attan says the
family was initially worried because they were not advised to be
quarantined, despite having been in close proximity to Mr Mohd
Lazim.
They were also concerned the children would be
infected.
"Previously we only heard that H1N1 was dangerous, and
it will spread, so that's why we were worried. But now we're not
worried because it's a normal flu."
The H1N1 flu is now one of three seasonal flu strains circulating
in Singapore and the rest of the world.
As such, the Health Ministry says there is no need for special
protection measures like isolation and quarantine.
But it adds that H1N1, like other flu strains, can cause pneumonia
and respiratory problems, especially in the elderly, the very young
and those with chronic diseases.
Doctors say symptoms for the current H1N1 strain (H1N1-2009) may
appear more severe, because it is a relatively new
strain.
But most will recover with ample rest.
Doctors also advise vaccinations to protect against the flu in
future.
-- 938Live