The Health Ministry will continue to monitor the spread of Influenza A(H1N1) in the country although the number of cases had dropped, Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

The Health Ministry is still waiting for an announcement from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the status of the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in Malaysia.

Press statements on the Influenza A (H1N1) will be issued on a weekly basis from now on in view of the current trend which shows a drop in the number of cases in the country.

The Health Ministry today advised people who intend to visit countries in the Northern Hemisphere to get the seasonal influenza vaccine shots (north formula) as the occurence of influenza A(H1N1) in those countries was still serious.

STOCKHOLM, Oct 14 (AFP) - Swine flu is killing fewer people than seasonal flu but is causing greater alarm due to its impact on children and higher healthcare costs, according to a top disease surveillance expert.

Parents and guardians of students taking the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, which will begin on Nov 19, are advised to send the children for immediate treatment if they have symptoms of influenza-like illness.

WASHINGTON, Oct 13 (AFP) - Adolescents and relatively healthy adults are especially at risk from the swine flu, which is associated with respiratory failure and a high mortality rate in serious cases, studies said Monday.

The public have been urged to maintain cleanliness, practice a healthy lifestyle and adopt influenza A H1N1 guidelines, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican.

BEIJING, Oct 10 (AFP) - China said Saturday it had already vaccinated more than 300,000 people against swine flu but warned the nation was facing a "grim" task of preventing outbreaks and keeping the number of deaths in check.

The Health Ministry wants parents of children who are sitting for the ongoing Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination to monitor the health of their children.