Don't be hasty with flu vaccine, ex-minister warns

Suchai also said the government's policy on the so-called swine flu is also inconsistent, leading to failure to act quickly and sufficiently to contain the outbreak during its early stage.

On public updates on the situation of swine flu, he said the government should continue to be transparent and give updates every Monday, Wednesday and Friday rather than once a week.

He also called for more laboratories to test the virus so that results could be reported within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, a Bangkok woman died yesterday after several days of flu-like symptoms, prompting suspicion that her death might be the country's latest fatality toll from the type-A (H1N1) influenza virus.

With the official death toll at 26 in Thailand, Min Buri police yesterday morning reported the death of Misstine Thailand employee Saisunee Siripanyasuk, 47.

Her relatives told police that she had chronic high blood pressure and had suffered from high fever and flu-like symptoms since July 13.

As part of the "Big Cleaning Day" event, Deputy Bangkok Governor Dr Malinee Sukavejworakit yesterday presided over the cleaning of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Medical College and Vajira Hospital to prevent flu outbreaks.

Vajira Hospital also opened a fast track for type-A (H1N1) patients serving 600 people a day. BMA schools, which will reopen on Monday, have been ordered to use thermometers to check each student for fever before they enter the school and send those with a fever home.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said BMA premises would also be cleaned more frequently.

Bangkok has had 2,400 type-A (H1N1) patients and 12 fatalities.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva urged the public not to panic and suggested those with flu-like symptoms rest at home and take fever medicine. If after 2-3 days they still have a high fever, joint pain and diarrhoea, they should see a doctor immediately, he said.

Democrat Party spokesman Booranut Samutrak said former premier Chuan Leekpai had invited the Public Health, Labour and Education ministries to a meeting tomorrow on flu prevention at workplaces and schools.

National Institute of Education Testing Service (NIETS) director Uthumporn Jamornman said 62 students had presented medical certificates that their absence from General Aptitude Test and Professional Aptitude Test (GAT/PAT) exams had been due to the flu and NIETS would hold special GAT/PATs on August 8-9 at its office in the Phayathai Building. She said some 20 students from the provinces would be provided with accommodation and transport fees.