Two cases of the HINI Influenza has been reported in the Ashanti Region, Dr Joseph Oduro, the Deputy Regional Director of Public Health, has announced. He told a news conference in Kumasi that both cases were recorded in April but would not go into details, except to assure the public that the situation was under control. They have adequate stock of "Tamislu capsules", which has proven to be efficacious in the treatment of the influenza, to deal with any spread. Ashanti Region recorded two cases of the flu in August, last year. The meeting with the press was to update the public on the current situation, guide them on the precautions they need to take and symptoms to look for. H1N1 Influenza is caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system, making it difficult for patients to breath. It’s symptoms include sore throat, cough, body aches, fever, headache, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhoea. Dr Oduro said in the worst case scenario, patients may be afflicted with pneumonia and other health complications that could be deadly if not treated on time. To help contain the spread, they have intensified public education through community durbars and forums to help the people to become more alert. He counselled the people to wash their hands regularly with soap and keep away from those infected to avoid coming into contact with the Influenza droplets. He also adviced people to seek immediate treatment by reporting to the health facilities with any suspected case. Source: GNA