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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 31) called on members of the public to take precautionary measures against influenza and other respiratory tract infections.
A CHP spokesman said that CHP's sentinel surveillance networks detected a mild increase of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community. During the week ending January 26, consultation rates for ILI in private doctors and GOPC were 50.7 and 3.8 per 1000 consultations respectively, as compared with 44.5 and 3.7 in the previous week.
He added that laboratory surveillance found an increasing number of influenza virus detection recently; 42 influenza viruses were isolated in the week ending January 26 as compared with fewer than 20 detections in mid December, 2007.
With reference to a report that a proportion of A H1N1 flu viruses in circulation this winter in Europe were resistant to antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu), the spokesman said the Public Health Laboratory Centre has been monitoring the local situation closely and recently detected four such viruses out of 45 isolates tested in January 2008.
He said there had been no indication from overseas authorities so far that these oseltamivir resistant viruses were associated with more severe illness. These viruses are sensitive to other antiviral drugs against influenza. CHP will continue to monitor H1N1 viruses for oseltamivir resistance.
He called on members of the public to be vigilant against influenza.
"Members of the public who were at higher risk of complications from influenza should be vaccinated against influenza if they have not already done so. The vaccine for seasonal influenza being used in Hong Kong also provides protection against the oseltamivir-resistant A(H1N1) viruses.
"Those who are eligible for free influenza vaccination under the Government Influenza Vaccination Program (GIVP) can visit appropriate venues promulgated by the Government," he noted.
DH has ordered a total of 300 000 doses of influenza vaccines for the 2007-08 GIVP, of which, about 268 000 had been administered to the eligible target groups since the programme started on November 5, 2007.
To prevent influenza and other respiratory tract infections, the public are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle and adhere to the following health advice:
* 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 flu season.
Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
More information on the preventive measures can be found in CHP's website www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, January 31, 2008
Issued at HKT 23:45
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