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The Department of Health appealed for community support in mounting an effective response against the arrival of a flu pandemic.
The appeal was made by the Assistant Director of the Department of Health, Dr Regina Ching, at a press briefing today (October 26).
"Members of the public are encouraged to follow eight basic steps for achieving maximum protection," she said.
The eight steps are:
1. Be prepared
2. Get vaccinated
3. Keep hands clean
4. Use masks properly
5. Know how influenza presents
6. Manage fever well
7. Practise a healthy lifestyle
8. Be resourceful
For prevention, members of the public may obtain correct and updated information about flu and flu pandemic from –
* CHP website www.chp.gov.hk;
* CHEU website www.cheu.gov.hk;
* 24-Hour Health Educational Hotline 2833 0111;
* The "Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Kit" that can be downloaded from CHP website; and
* Government announcements for additional measures.
Dr Ching said the department would continue to step up public education by making use of different channels.
In addition to existing channels such as pamphlets, posters, TV and Radio APIs, roving exhibitions, media interviews and feature articles in newspapers and magazines, plans are in hand to further enhance publicity through broadcasting of APIs on public transport, and at the community level a series of public forums targeting schools and the general public.
Dr Ching reminded members of the public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, particularly some basic preventive measures that are easy but should not be overlooked.
These include:
* Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, daily physical activity, adequate rest, avoid smoking and alcohol);
* Good personal hygiene especially proper handwashing;
- Keep hands clean and wash hands properly
- Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly. Wash hands afterwards;
* Maintaining good indoor ventilation. Avoid crowded places with poor ventilation;
* Wearing a mask if you develop flu-like symptoms, when caring for the sick, and when visiting hospitals and/or clinics; and
* Keeping an adequate supply of masks, anti-pyretics, thermometer, tissue paper and liquid soap.
Ends/Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:20
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