DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates health ministry is sending mobile phone SMSes to the public to raise awareness about the precautionary measures against influenza A (H1N1), WAM news agency reported Monday.

The messages advise people to avoid the traditional Arab nose salutation and keep away from crowded places.

Ali Ahmed bin Shakr, director general of the ministry and head of the H1N1 technical committee, said the Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat) has sponsored to send the SMS messages to public.