Saudis and expatriates in the Kingdom have started avoiding crowded places like malls and recreational parks amid an increase in the number of swine flu cases in the country. People are naturally concerned and are wondering how to best protect themselves from the virus. “I am really concerned; it's a serious situation. I think that traveling nowadays is very dangerous as there are so many cases of swine flu worldwide. I think that if more cases are discovered here, my family and I will stop going to restaurants and will limit the amount of traveling we do until the disease is under control or they have developed a special vaccine for it,” said Abdulaziz Yamani, who is employed in the HR department of Sedco. “People should avoid crowded places and take special care of their personal hygiene. Swine flu is highly contagious. However, it is treatable and people should seek medical advice as soon as any symptoms appear,” said Dr. Hassan Ismeal, a family doctor at King Abdulaziz University. Although the World Health Organization has raised its alert on swine flu to level six which means that it is a pandemic, the organization has not gone to the extent of advising people not to travel. Most countries are monitoring the health conditions of passengers at ports of entry. “As nurses, we are worried about contracting this disease. We wear masks all the time especially in the emergency room where so many flu cases are seen,” said Sulafa Konkar, who works at King Fahad Hospital. “The news that a nurse from King Fahd National Guard Hospital in Riyadh contracted swine flu has spread fear among others in the profession,” she added. There must be educational seminars about swine flu for both mothers and children. Brochures should be given to everyone in order to spread awareness of this contagious disease, said Abeer Al-Sebaee, an elementary schoolteacher. According to her, pre-school and elementary students should be given information about swine flu that they can understand especially regarding its cause and treatment. Schools are advised to directly contact the Ministry of Health in case of any suspected case. “We arrange several meetings with doctors and specialists from medical centers and hospitals to take part in our seminars about swine flu. If we notice any symptoms of this disease we contact the parents and the Ministry of Health” said Rabha Attar, a school principal. “I think that swine flu only spreads in crowded public places like airports and malls, and these are the places we should avoid. People should not panic; I hope that things will be better soon,” said Rola Serafi, a 28-year
