MALAYSIA—Dr. Allan Salvarainam, a health expert who runs a clinic in this country, cautions against wearing face masks the wrong way, which introduces all kinds of risks, he says.
The fatality rate for the influenza is estimated at 0.1-0.3 percent, while seasonal influenza is 0.5 percent and SARS 15 percent. In these terms, the A-flu, another term for H1N1, is not particularly life threatening.
In Malaysia, the number of infections is unofficially recorded as 5,876. People wear masks in public places, like train stations and shopping malls, but many may be wearing them incorrectly without realizing it, according to Salvarainam.
Relying unduly on masks as a preventive measure could also be problematic, he says. Normal masks do not completely cover the mouth and nose, for example, and while proper mask wearing is good, wearing them wrong could increase the risk of infection.
Mask-wearers tend to be less vigilant, too, and may overlook other important preventive measures such as washing hands.
Wearing masks for too long could also be a problem, the doctor said in an interview with The Epoch Times, and should not be worn by healthy people in their daily lives.
The doctors and nurses in Dr. Allan’s clinic don’t wear masks at work, for example, and Salvarainam explained why: “If patients see doctors wearing masks, they could be more anxious and panic, which is not good for any patient.”
The H1N1 is slightly more contagious than the ordinary seasonal flu. Those with symptoms normally recover after a few days rest. If symptoms such as fever persist, people should get a medical checkup.
Maintaining good personal hygiene is a good way of preventing H1N1 infection, he says.
The fatality rate for the influenza is estimated at 0.1-0.3 percent, while seasonal influenza is 0.5 percent and SARS 15 percent. In these terms, the A-flu, another term for H1N1, is not particularly life threatening.
In Malaysia, the number of infections is unofficially recorded as 5,876. People wear masks in public places, like train stations and shopping malls, but many may be wearing them incorrectly without realizing it, according to Salvarainam.
Relying unduly on masks as a preventive measure could also be problematic, he says. Normal masks do not completely cover the mouth and nose, for example, and while proper mask wearing is good, wearing them wrong could increase the risk of infection.
Mask-wearers tend to be less vigilant, too, and may overlook other important preventive measures such as washing hands.
Wearing masks for too long could also be a problem, the doctor said in an interview with The Epoch Times, and should not be worn by healthy people in their daily lives.
The doctors and nurses in Dr. Allan’s clinic don’t wear masks at work, for example, and Salvarainam explained why: “If patients see doctors wearing masks, they could be more anxious and panic, which is not good for any patient.”
The H1N1 is slightly more contagious than the ordinary seasonal flu. Those with symptoms normally recover after a few days rest. If symptoms such as fever persist, people should get a medical checkup.
Maintaining good personal hygiene is a good way of preventing H1N1 infection, he says.
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