H1N1
Mask of terror pervades city
- Published: 14/07/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: News
People who wear face masks may feel comfortable about protecting themselves from the influenza A (H1N1) virus, but as many are finding there is another risk - discrimination.
A boy waits at a hospital in Bangkok yesterday to be tested for the influenza type-A (H1N1) virus. Like all of the hospital staff, he has chosen to wear a face mask. JETJARAS NA RANONG
A woman recently told a traffic radio station she was kicked out of a mini-van after refusing to remove her mask when the driver complained that he feared it would scare off his passengers.
Another woman said a vendor asked her to leave his stall because he assumed she was carrying the flu.
Reports about the plight of wearers of face masks have prompted the Public Health Ministry to step up a campaign to encourage people to use them during the influenza pandemic.
"They are not dangerous people," Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said yesterday. "They are doing the right thing to safeguard themselves and others from the virus."
The public should not discriminate against people wearing masks, he said.
Kamnuan Ungchusak, a Disease Control Department flu expert, expressed concern that discrimination against face mask users could make people turn their backs on the protective gear.
"Without face masks, the flu virus will spread more quickly," Dr Kamnuan said.
Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, who chairs the national committee on influenza A (H1N1) response, was also trying to end discrimination by seeking cabinet approval for 70 million baht to launch a campaign to encourage people to wear face masks, especially those who use public transport.
Part of the campaign will involve the distribution of about 10 million masks around the country, he said.
People interviewed by the Bangkok Post, however, put their health ahead of fears of discrimination.
Baicha Mungdee, a 33-year-old clothes seller, said she started wearing a face mask over a week ago when the number of flu fatalities began to rise. She said she would wear it until the outbreak ends.
"A lot of shoppers visit my shop. Who knows if they carry the virus or not. I'd better protect myself," she said.
Unlike the mini-van driver who asked his passenger to remove the mask, Ms Baicha said she admired people who wore the protective covering.
"The practice helps prevent the H1N1 virus from spreading further," she said.
Rawan Dasri, 27, put on a mask after she had flu-like symptoms two days ago.
"It makes me feel uncomfortable, but I have to wear it in order to protect others from my flu," she said.
Pensri Pornchirattikarn, 26, a business owner, said she was not afraid of those wearing masks. Everybody should wear face masks in crowded places to reduce virus transmission because they might not know if they are a carrier, she said.
Sakunkarn Kanthakhruen, 18, said he wore a face mask only when he took a bus to his university.
"Sometimes people look at me strangely, but I don't care," he said.
Relate Search: H1N1, Swine flu, face mask
About the author
- Writer: POST REPORTERS
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