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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 28) appealed to people to take precautionary measures against influenza as the number of cases of infection in the community had continued to increase since February.
A CHP spokesman said influenza virus samples identified by the Public Health Laboratory Centre in the consecutive four weeks ending March 17 had increased to an average of 270 per week, compared to an average of 122 per week in the preceding four weeks.
During the same period, an increase in the number of influenza outbreaks was reported.
"There were 15 confirmed influenza A and two confirmed influenza B outbreaks reported between February 18 and March 17, as compared to eight confirmed outbreaks of influenza A in the preceding four weeks."
"In the week ending March 17 alone, seven influenza A outbreaks were confirmed in institutions including child care centre, schools and elderly homes," the spokesman said.
He said the CHP's sentinel surveillance systems at general outpatient clinics and private doctors also showed that the consultation rates for influenza-like illness remained high in the past four weeks.
The spokesman called on the public to stay guard against seasonal influenza and take precautionary measures.
He said that high risk members of the public should get influenza vaccination early.
"As it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop after vaccination, timely vaccination for the high risk groups can ensure that they acquire adequate protection against influenza-related complications in case of infection."
"Those who are covered by the Government Influenza Vaccination Programme but have not received the vaccines are advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible." the spokesman said.
About 270,000 target clients have received influenza vaccination under the programme, which started on November 6, 2006, and extended until the end of April, 2007.
To prevent influenza and other respiratory tract infections, people are advised to adopt the following measures:
* To build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* To maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
* To maintain good ventilation; and
* To avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.
People, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
More information on the recent findings of influenza can be found in Flu Express, a CHP publication on the website (http:www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:06
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