The death toll from the A(H1N1) flu has today increased to 14, with the latest victim, a 57-year-old man.

This was revealed by Health Ministry director-general Dr Ismail Merican ( below ) at a press conference at Putrajaya this morning.

NONE He also said that 16 new locally transmitted cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 1,492 cases.

Ismail added that 11 patients were being treated in intensive care units while 43 others were in isolation wards.

He urged the public not to burden the government hospitals by seeking treatment for light flu symptoms.

According to Ismail, only warded patients will be tested for the deadly virus. The others with slight flu are advised to rest at home and heed medical advice.

"Ninety-eight percent of such cases will fully recover," he said. "Eighty to 90 percent of the H1N1 tests done by the Medical Research Institute yield negative results, but there are 300-500 requests to undergo the test daily."

Public urged not to use rapid test kits

Ismail also urged doctors and pharmacists to be responsible when dispensing anti-viral drugs and to adhere by the guidelines given.

"Medical practitioners should not use the drugs as a 'prophylaxis' as it can cause 'resistance' towards the drug and also bring side effects," he said.

Medical practitioners should practise caution when treating the ill to avoid getting infected as well.

"Four of five hospital staff caught the virus due to lax procedures. There is no excuse for anybody to say they do not know what they are doing," said Ismail.

He also said, all private clinics will receive anti-viral drugs from tomorrow and they can purchase them at selected pharmaceutical outlets.

Ismail cautioned that the current hazy spell could result in more people getting ill and this would pose a higher risk of people contracting H1N1.

Overall, there are 1.4 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine Tamilflu and Prophylaxis and that it would only be used for those in high risk groups.

He advised the public not to use rapid testing kits as there are limitations to them and may be unrealiable.