BANGKOK, 2 February 2018, (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has advised schools nationwide to impose preventive measures against influenza, following a report that nearly 9,000 people in Thailand came down with a flu last month, 27% of the patients were children.

MOPH Permanent Secretary Dr. Jessada Chokdamrongsuk has instructed provincial public health offices to prioritize their efforts on the prevention of influenza in schools. He said the current fluctuating weather conditions could cause influenza viral infections.

He pointed out that there were 8,728 patients last month with one fatality. Up to 27% of the number were students.

Dr. Jessada suggested schools separate infected students from the rest of the class, have them wear a mask, and send them to the school’s infirmary.

Dr. Jessada stressed that teachers need to explain to parents that their sick children must remain at home until they recover before returning to classes, in order to prevent the flu from spreading.

The Permanent Secretary said classrooms must be well ventilated and that school equipment and computers should be cleansed on a consistent basis.

National News Bureau Of Thailand | MOPH suggests schools impose flu prevention measures