Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority organises swine flu awareness campaign

Held at the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) headquarters, the initiative included two seminars and saw Dr. Seif Ahmed Darwish, Dr. Lubna Al Shaali, Dr. Sawsan Al Nahas, and Dr. Fatheya Al Serkal, detailing symptoms of the swine flu syndrome, how it is transmitted, and the precautions that must be taken to avoid infection. The audience included employees of DSOA and its partner companies operating at the high-tech park.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Senior Chief Officer, Corporate Excellence and Support, DSOA, said:

"The concern of swine flu is on the top of people's minds these days. We also believe ignorance of a particular syndrome can cause unfounded fear. The seminars came as part of our responsibility to alleviate some of those apprehensions through educating our stakeholders with the support of medical professionals. We are confident our employees and those of our partner companies have gained an accurate understanding of the viral disease and are better informed to adopt healthier lifestyles."

"The Dubai Health Authority has always been proactive in its priority to maintain a healthy community. We hope that our collaboration with DHA to educate and spread awareness on the H1N1 virus will encourage other entities to replicate the initiative. It is essential for the right message to reach the maximum number of people in our communities for the success of this campaign."

Swine flu is an influenza A virus subtype H1N1, first identified in April 2009. It acquired the name from laboratory tests that showed many of the genes in the new virus were similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America.

Dr. Seif Ahmed Darwish, Community Medical Physician, Dubai Health Authority, said:

"Our objective is to provide the right kind of information that will help the community stay alert. It is also crucial to initiate adequate measures and adopt a preventive strategy and we are thankful to DSOA for supporting us in hosting such a campaign at its premises."

The virus typically spreads via coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Symptoms, which could last up to a week, are similar to those of seasonal flu, and may include fever, sneezes, sore throat, coughs, headache, and muscle or joint pains.