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What's the key to combating avian flu that has recently struck neighbouring places? Dr Janet Ho from the Department of Health says prevention is simple: Observe good personal and food hygiene.
In an interview with news.gov.hk, she also reminded people with flu symptoms to wear a mask and consult a doctor at once, as the initial symptoms of avian flu are similar to those of other flu viruses.
Dr Ho pointed out that avian flu, such as H5N1 and H9N2, is a type of Influenza A.
The early symptoms are similar to other influenza viruses, and include fever, headache, muscle ache, runny rose, cough and sore throat. However, it is more likely to result in high fever, chest infection, respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and even death, she said.
As it is hard to differentiate the viruses by symptoms alone, she advised anyone with flu symptoms to wear a mask to prevent spread of the disease and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Avian flu is transmitted from infected live birds to people.
"People who are in close contact with poultry will be more susceptible to contracting the disease. The elderly, children or people with chronic illness have higher risk of developing complications, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and so on," Dr Ho added.
"To help prevent contracting the disease, people should avoid touching birds and poultry, especially droppings of infected birds and poultry as it may carry the avian flu virus. If you have been in contact with birds and poultry, immediately wash your hands thoroughly with liquid soap and water.
"If people develop flu-like symptoms after visiting a place with avian flu outbreaks, they should consult a doctor and tell the doctor about their travel history."
At present, there is no vaccine for preventing avian flu in people. Influenza vaccines cannot prevent avian flu, but they can help reduce the chance of complications and hospitalisation from flu. People should seek medical advice if they are considering getting the vaccination.
Apart from maintaining good personal hygiene, Dr Ho also reminded the public to take precautions when eating poultry and eggs.
Here are some tips:
* Do not eat raw eggs or dip cooked food into sauce containing raw eggs;
* Cook eggs well until the white and the yolk are firm;
* Cook poultry thoroughly before eating; and
* If there are pinkish juices running from the cooked poultry or the middle part of its bone is still red in colour, the poultry should be cooked some more until it is fully done.
Want to know more about avian flu and its prevention? Visit the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section recently launched at the Avian Flu website: www.info.gov.hk/info/flu/eng/.
Ends/Monday, February 9, 2004
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