Due to the danger of the spread of epidemic influenza the health ministry has instructed all centers to intensify the health symposiums so as to lessen the affliction of this dangerous disease. The Centre held an emergency Health Advice Symposium (the third during the last two weeks) attended by doctors, researchers and the manager of the Sadr Health Sector Centre, Dr Mohammed Zawaid, who opened the symposium by explaining to those present the dangers of this disease which has recorded a number of victims in nearby areas. He revealed the fears of the Health Ministry about the spread of the disease in our area which is characterized by its high population density, it thereby being more exposed than other areas to being afflicted by such diseases. Dr Mohammed Zawaid affirmed his readiness to supply treatment and help to patients so that our community would be disease-free.

Doctor Maisa' Aadal gave a lecture which touched on the disease in detail when she showed that viral disease spreads by way of diffusion of spray which can attain a distance of a meter, necessitating us to keep a distance of a meter between us and the infected person. Similarly, she revealed that touching an infected surface such as a door handle, a table or other hard surface which have germs on them for a long period spreads to a healthy person through touch. She emphasized personal cleanliness performed by washing the hands well with soap and water, which is one of the important ways to protect oneself from the disease, in addition to foregoing the customs followed for greeting such as embracing and kissing, as well as avoiding crowded places, airing the home to sterilize germs, and other ways to protect oneself from this dangerous disease.

Appertaining to inoculation against epidemic influenza, the doctor said that it is available in all the health centers for free to all citizens provided that the person is not already afflicted with influenza, for in that case they do not administer the vaccine in case there is an adverse result.

Finally, Doctor Maisa' showed methods of treatment for this disease by way of isolating the patient from the rest of the family in terms of place, cutlery and drinking, and airing the home well in order to eradicate the disease-spawning germs. At the end of the health symposium advice pamphlets were distributed to those present who numbered twenty- three.