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The observance of good personal and environmental hygiene is the key to protection against pandemic influenza and people should not stockpile antiviral.
The remarks were made by the Chairman of the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (SCEZD) of the Centre for Health Protection, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung at a media briefing today (October 25).
"Washing hands is the most important weapon we have in combating the virus," he said.
Professor Yuen pointed out that using antiviral without doctors' professional advice would greatly increase the chance of antiviral resistance emerging from the virus.
He said that as the supply of the drug was not unlimited, some form of priority setting was required to maximise the benefit for the community as a whole in the event of pandemic influenza.
Though priority accorded to each category for administration of antiviral may vary according to circumstances, the options for using antiviral are considered in the following situations:
* Treatment for infected patients;
* Pre-exposure prophylaxis for healthcare workers and other essential service providers;
* Prophylaxis for workers involved in culling operations; and
* Post-exposure prophylaxis for contacts.
Professor Yuen explained that currently available influenza vaccines could not prevent avian flu. However, they reduced the chance of complications and hospitalisation arising from ordinary human influenza among certain high-risk groups, such as the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.
"At present, scientists are actively conducting research on avian flu vaccines for use in humans, but none has become widely available," he added.
The SCEZD also published detailed professional guidelines to doctors on the proper use of antiviral for pandemic influenza.
Professor Yuen said people should maintain a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene to protect themselves from getting pandemic flu should it arise.
He said when a pandemic arrived, it might not be possible to totally eliminate the risk of infection. However, people could reduce the risk considerably if they were prepared for the following measures and adhered to them:
* Step up hygienic practices like washing hands and keeping the environment clean and maintain good ventilation.
* Get ready a few weeks' supply of masks, thermometers, anti-pyretics, tissue papers, liquid soap and disinfectants.
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Dispose sputum or secretions wrapped in tissue paper into rubbish bins with lids and wash hands as soon as possible.
* Avoid crowded or poorly-ventilated places.
* Wear a mask if they develop flu-like symptoms, when caring for the sick, and when visiting hospitals and clinics.
* Watch out for the latest situation of the influenza pandemic and further announcements from the Government.
* Pay attention to and comply with guidelines issued by the Government with respect to travelling, port health control and suspension of public events as needs arise.
"Frequent and proper handwashing is of paramount importance and people should stock up several weeks' supplies of surgical masks, tissue papers, liquid soap, disinfectants and thermometers and anti-pyretics at home," Professor Yuen noted.
Also present at the briefing were Consultant (Community Medicine) of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Thomas Tsang and Deputy Director (Professional Services) of the Hospital Authority, Dr Liu Shao-haei.
Dr Tsang said the Government would follow SCEZD recommendations and the public medical sector would use the antiviral stockpile to provide treatment to infected patients in the event of pandemic influenza. He reminded that the dispensing of antiviral drugs for influenza (Tamiflu and Relenza) required prescriptions from registered medical practitioners.
The DH had contacted manufacturer of antiviral drugs and learnt that steps were being taken to provide a steady supply of the drugs to private doctors.
The Government has put in place a contingency plan for pandemic flu and has been working closely with various stakeholders including medical and business sectors in formulating their own preparedness plans.
The CHP has been working closely with HA on infection control measures, including formulation of infection control guidelines and training of healthcare workers and carers.
With the community, the CHP actively promulgates avian flu prevention and pandemic preparedness measures via different channels, such as TV, radio, internet, outreach programmes, seminars, and publicity materials. The CHP also produced a tailor-made pandemic preparedness kit for the public. Distribution is free of charge.
A new section containing frequently-asked-questions about pandemic influenza and antivirals will be added to CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) to provide accurate and practical information to the public.
"We are getting good support from medical experts and healthcare professionals in both the public and private sectors. We will continue our work in liaising with stakeholders and the general community in order to make all of us get well prepared," Dr Tsang said.
People can also obtain information on influenza or avian flu from the Central Health Education Unit Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Issued at HKT 19:05
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