No need to panic over swine flu, says PM

The spate in swine flu cases in the country was discussed threadbare at the meeting of the Union Cabinet in New Delhi on Thursday, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying that panic should not be created over the issue.

Sources said Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad made a presentation on the swine flu situation in the country before the Cabinet following which the issue was discussed in great detail.

Expressing concern over the swine flu situation, Dr Singh asked the Health Minister to work towards restoring confidence of the people and ensure that panic is not created.

He is understood to have said that this was a major problem before

the country and the government sector is doing its best.

Azad told media persons after the meeting that there was no need to panic.

"The central and the state governments are taking all possible measures. For the past week we have been reserving places in government and some private hospitals. We are also looking for some private laboratories since they are now needed," he said.

"Only those people who have symptoms need to wear a mask. They have to wear the mask not to protect themselves, but to protect others," he said.

Azad said if an individual feels symptoms like cough and cold, he or she should sit at home and not come in contact with other people.