The Western Regional Health Directorate has stepped up its public education on health related issues especially on the outbreak of the HINI influenza to create awareness among the people. Dr Kwaku Anin-Karikari, Western Regional Deputy Director of Health Services in charge of Public Health, told the GNA that for now the region has recorded three cases of H1N1. The three cases have been reported in Takoradi, Bibiani and Ahanta West. He said since the HINI influenza is an air borne disease, infected patients must abide by advice offered by health personal, cultivate the habit of covering their noses and mouths with handkerchief, wear masks and wash hands with soap. To prevent the spread of the disease, Dr Anin-Karikari called on those who experience the symptoms of the flu such as, fever, cough, catarrh and sore throat among others not to rush to health facilities but call health officials to the home for treatment. He advised those who choose to visit the hospitals to go straight to a doctor without going to the Out Patients' Department. Dr Anin-Karikari said the spread of the pandemic could reduce if people adhered to health advice, saying that vaccines are not immediately available to vaccinate everybody in the country Source: GNA