The Vietnamese Minister of Health has met with representatives from other ministries and those from provincial people’s committees and health departments nationwide to work out plans to cope with the spread of the influenza A (H1N1) virus.

The Ministry of Health has recommended four measures to combat the pandemic: practicing careful hygiene, taking protective measures, such as the use of face masks and disinfectants, closely monitoring passengers coming from areas affected with the virus within the last 7 days and promptly informing a hotline that has been set up at the first sign of any flu-like illness.

Local public health centres must have staff on duty at all times and keep themselves updated on the status of the pandemic in the country and in the world.

In case of illness, people should contact the hotline set up by the Department of Preventive Medicine and the Environment, under the Ministry of Health by calling 0989.671.115 or fax 043 7366 241 or via email at baocaodich@gmail.com.