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First reported H1N1-related death of 2011
By Hoe Yeen Nie / Shaffiq Alkhatib | Posted: 29 January 2011 1246 hrs
A scientist prepares a DNA test for the A(H1N1) virus.
A scientist prepares a DNA test for the A(H1N1) virus.
SINGAPORE: An elderly Malay man has died from H1N1-related causes, the first such reported case this year. But experts say the flu strain has not become more severe since the pandemic in 2009.
77-year-old Mohd Lazim Kalang died at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) on Wednesday due to a lung infection. He was sent to SGH 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
pneumonia 10 days after being warded.
At his family home in Bedok, his son-in-law said the family was initially worried because they were not advised to be quarantined, despite having been in close proximity to Mr Mohd Lazim.
"Previously we heard that H1N1 was dangerous, and it will spread. That's why we were worried. But now we're not worried, because it's a normal flu," said Mr Ali Attan, the son-in-law of Mohd Lazim.
The H1N1 flu has since proven to be relatively mild, and it 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, as it is a relatively new strain. But most of those infected will recover with ample rest.
Doctors also advise vaccinations to protect against the flu in future.
-CNA/ac/ir
By Hoe Yeen Nie / Shaffiq Alkhatib | Posted: 29 January 2011 1246 hrs
A scientist prepares a DNA test for the A(H1N1) virus.
A scientist prepares a DNA test for the A(H1N1) virus.
SINGAPORE: An elderly Malay man has died from H1N1-related causes, the first such reported case this year. But experts say the flu strain has not become more severe since the pandemic in 2009.
77-year-old Mohd Lazim Kalang died at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) on Wednesday due to a lung infection. He was sent to SGH 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
pneumonia 10 days after being warded.
At his family home in Bedok, his son-in-law said the family was initially worried because they were not advised to be quarantined, despite having been in close proximity to Mr Mohd Lazim.
"Previously we heard that H1N1 was dangerous, and it will spread. That's why we were worried. But now we're not worried, because it's a normal flu," said Mr Ali Attan, the son-in-law of Mohd Lazim.
The H1N1 flu has since proven to be relatively mild, and it 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, as it is a relatively new strain. But most of those infected will recover with ample rest.
Doctors also advise vaccinations to protect against the flu in future.
-CNA/ac/ir
