The Ministry of Health (MOH) reminds members of the public to be wary of claims that an anti-HFMD/flu spray marketed under the brand name Thymos is able to provide full protection against the Hand, Foot and Mouth (HFMD) and Influenza A viruses.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the product is made of activated minerals and labelled with the manufacturer’s claim that it “instantly kills 99.99 percent of HFMD and Influenza A viruses”.

“The manufacturer’s claim is unfounded because there is no strong evidence (for the active ingredients’ efficacy against those diseases).

"However, since it is not used directly on humans, this product is not under the control of the MOH and there is no requirement for the product to be registered with relevant MOH agencies," he said.

The product is a spray, to be applied to outer garments and surfaces of items such as toys.

In a statement, MOH said the company had been advised to withdraw the said claims for the spray and to replace it with a general, appropriate statement to avoid public confusion.

The public is also advised to practice five key points in the prevention and control of HFMD, namely maintaining personal hygiene, proper hand-washing practices, ensuring the cleanliness of the surroundings, implementing a point-of-entry screening at kindergartens and pre-schools, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces.

– Bernama