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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) today (October 22) provided the following wrap up of the past week:
In the past week (October 15 - 21), a total of 1,863 patients with flu-like symptoms attended the Designated Flu Clinics.
Among all confirmed human swine influenza patients, 113 confirmed patients are now staying in public hospitals for treatment, with 87 in stable condition, 14 in serious and 12 in critical condition.
Furthermore, the newly confirmed cases in the past week included 38 staff members of public hospitals (nine male and 29 female, comprising three doctors, 16 nurses, seven allied health professionals, three administrative/clerical staff and nine supporting staff). So far 1,009 HA staff members have been confirmed with human swine influenza. Among them, 971 have already recovered and returned to work.
The HA spokesman reminded the public that the test for human swine influenza is not routine now because the treatment of patients would not depend on the outcome of the test. Under normal circumstances, both DFCs and Accident & Emergency Departments will only conduct laboratory tests for human swine influenza on the following specific groups of patients:
-Pregnant women
-Children at or under 12 months old
-Healthcare workers including staff from residential homes
-Patients living in institutions without an outbreak
-Influenza patients with persistent fever (over 38¢XC) or whose condition deteriorates 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 doctors and clinics.
Ends/Thursday, October 22, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:58
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