Presstv | An Iranian health official has warned about a new wave of swine flu across the country in the spring with predicted A-H1N1 virus mutation.

Director of the Health Ministry's Flu Program and Border Health Care Mahmoud Soroush told IRINN on Monday that a new wave of H1N1 strain is about to rise.

Soroush believes Nowruz holidays and increasing numbers of Iranian and foreign tourists could increase the risk of infections.

“With Brazil's latest updates on the number of people infected and killed by H1N1 virus, Iranian tourists going to South and Central American countries must keep a watchful eye on endangered groups,” he said.

"A total of 36 Brazilians have died from A/H1N1 flu so far since the beginning of 2010," the Brazilian Health Ministry reported Thursday.

“People with respiratory conditions and heart disease are more at risk of swine flu infection,” he continued.

“People should avoid shaking hands or kissing when greeting. They should not share food, glasses or cutlery for fear of contracting the deadly flu,” said Mahmoud Soroush.

“The flu is not restricted to a special period of time or a specific season. It means precautionary measures are always necessary,” he added.