DOH upgrades flu measures

Supplies of Tamiflu and Relenza, enough for around 5 million people, have been distributed to 1,300 hospitals around Taiwan to deal with the increasing number of patients with influenza, said ChouJih-haw, deputy director-general of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at a meeting to discuss flu preventive measures with DOH Minister Chiu Wen-ta.

At the request of the Bureau of Medical Affairs, the 23 publichospitals managed by the DOH will be establishing special influenzaclinics from Thursday, with other hospitals following suit in the nearfuture, Chou added.

Compared with the same period a year ago, the flu epidemic this time has actually been less severe. From July 2011 to Jan. 2012, atotal of 295 diagnosed influenza-related cases and 14 deaths were reported.

In comparison, the number of flu patients reached 691 between July 2010 and Jan. 2011, with 69 people losing their lives.

However, CDC officials noted, the number of patients with influenza-related symptoms admitted to hospital emergency departments reached 16,000 during the week of Dec. 26, 2011 Jan.1, 2012, in contrast with 11,000 for the week before, Dec. 19-25.

CDC officials warned the public to take relevant precautions, as the influenza season is predicted to peak during the Chinese Lunar NewYear holiday period.

Meanwhile, the DOH announced it will hold daily meetings to discuss influenza preventive measures from Jan. 3 onwards.

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