KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Influenza A(H1N1) is still active and spreading in the community despite a reduction in cases off late, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican.

He advised the public to take precaution and abide by the guidelines set by the ministry and refrain from visiting crowded areas.

The are no new deaths from the flu and the death toll remains at 77, he said in a statement today.

He said 123 influenza-like illness (ILI) patients were admitted while 106 more were discharged today.

Of 743 ILI patients warded, nine per cent or 66 of them were confirmed infected with H1N1 - 15 of them in the intensive care units (ICU) including one new case while another discharged, he said.

He said 13 of the remaining patients in the ICUs were high-risk patients - seven children below five, three with chronic diseases and three obese persons.

"High-risk patients are children below five, elderly people aged 65 years and above, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic diseases like asthma, lung infection and diabetes, and those with low immunity," he added.