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The Centre for Health protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 10) called on people to take precautionary measures against seasonal influenza as the Centre's monitoring systems had detected signs that Hong Kong was approaching its influenza season.
A CHP spokesman said that a consistent and significant rising trend was noted in different types of influenza surveillance systems - the sentinel surveillance network of private doctors and general out-patient clinics, sentinel childcare centres, respiratory outbreaks in institutions, and influenza virus isolation in the CHP's Public Laboratory Services Branch.
The CHP will be sending letters to doctors and institutions alerting them about the most current influenza situation and providing advice on prevention and control.
The spokesman reminded people to take the following measures to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
* To build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* To maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* To wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
* To maintain good ventilation;
* To avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
People, particularly young children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
Further details are available at FLU Express, a weekly article compiled by CHP to report influenza activity, which is accessible at http://www.chp.gov.hk/epidemiology.asp?lang=en&id=304&pid=134&ppid=29.
Ends/Friday, March 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:11
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