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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 9) urged school management to strictly adopt precautionary measures that the CHP promulgates against seasonal influenza.
A CHP spokesman said an increase in schools reporting influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreaks was expected as Hong Kong had entered the traditional flu season.
He said the CHP is putting up a list of 11 new ILI institutional outbreaks affecting 51 people on its daily update today, mostly involving schools.
During 2005-07, the highest number of institutional outbreaks of ILI reported every week during the flu season was between 10 and 32. In 2008, the highest weekly number of outbreaks was 106.
"We anticipate that the rise of reported ILI outbreaks will persist over the next four to six weeks as Hong Kong stays in the influenza season.
"Also, an increased number of influenza-related complications among children during the flu season is expected," the spokesman said.
In 2008, about 1,200 children aged 12 years or below were hospitalised under the Hospital Authority due to influenza, while the figures for 2007 was about 1,400.
"Young children, who are at higher risk of hospitalizations due to influenza related complications, are urged to get vaccinated against the disease if they have not already done so," the spokesman said.
The spokesman said an updated guideline entitled "Arrival of the Winter Influenza Season in Hong Kong" with highlights on hygiene and infection control measures was sent to schools, kindergartens and child care centres before the flu season.
School management have been briefed on the criteria of class suspension when there is a flu outbreak in their schools. They are also advised to keep parents properly informed about the latest situation.
To prevent possible outbreak of respiratory diseases especially influenza, the spokesman remind parents not to send their children with fever and respiratory symptoms to school.
Children with acute febrile illness should not attend school until their symptoms have subsided and 48 hours after fever has come down.
Furthermore, some 130 representatives from schools and other institutions had attended health talks on the prevention of influenza organised by CHP in collaboration with Education Bureau and Social Welfare Department.
"CHP will closely liaise with schools, kindergartens and child care centres to manage ILI outbreaks," the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, members of the public are reminded to take the following measures to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* 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 developed influenza-like symptoms.
Ends/Monday, February 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:16
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