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HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and human swine influenza patients
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (September 28):

     The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provided treatment to a total of 1,319 patients with flu-like symptoms.

     There were 441 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today.  This brings to 26,987 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.  Currently, a total of 276 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.  Among them, 254 cases are in stable condition, 12 in serious and 10 in critical condition.

     The newly confirmed critical case announced today is a 52-year-old male patient of Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH).  The patient developed flu symptoms on September 27 and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit via the Accident and Emergency Department of PWH on the same day.  Positive result for human swine influenza was confirmed today.  The patient received Tamiflu and antibiotics.   He is on ventilation support.  The hospital will closely monitor his condition.

     Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included 19 staff members of public hospitals (five male and 14 female, comprising two doctors, nine nurses, four allied health professionals, one clerk and three supporting staff).  So far 755 HA staff members have been confirmed with human swine influenza.  Among them, 590 have already recovered and returned to work.

     The HA spokesman reminded the public that the test for human swine influenza is not routine. However, this will not affect the treatment of patients. Under normal circumstances, both the DFCs and Accident & Emergency Departments will only conduct laboratory tests for human swine influenza on the following specific groups of patients:

- Pregnant women
- Children 12 months old or under  
- Healthcare workers including staff of residential homes
- Patients living in institutions without outbreak
- Influenza patients with persistent fever (over 38¢XC) or whose condition deteriorate 48 hours after treatment

     Public hospitals and clinics will only prescribe symptom control medication to influenza patients with mild condition.  Patients can consider seeking consultation first with private hospitals and clinics.

Ends/Monday, September 28, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:01

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