如何防備流感 HOW TO PREVENT INFLUENZA 衞生署中央健康教育組 Central Health Education Unit DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH October 2005

如何防備流感HOW TO PREVENT INFLUENZA

衞生署中央健康教育組衞生署中央健康教育組Central Health Education Unit

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

October 2005

What is Influenza?

Influenza (flu): is a highly infectious

viral disease

caused by various types of influenza viral strains

Seasonal Influenza

Consultation rate of influenza-like illness and number of influenza isolates in 2004

In Hong Kong, the disease is more common in periods from January to March and from July to August.

病毒株數目

GOPC: General Out-patient Clinics

GP: General Practitioners

Influenza Pandemic 3 pre-requisites for the

start of an Influenza Pandemic

A novel influenza virus subtype emerges and humans in general have no immunity against it

The new virus must be able to replicate in humans and cause serious illness

The new virus must be efficiently transmitted from one human to another

Photo: source from CDC

‘ Influenza pandemic’ Vs ‘Seasonal Influenza’

When compared to localised “seasonal” influenza epidemic, the influenza pandemic:

Spreads quicker and broader Usually associates with

higher severity of illness and a higher death toll

Has more serious consequences, greater social and economic impact

Photo: source from CDC

The relationship with Avian Influenza The Hong Kong 1997

experience and the recent situation in Vietnam have demonstrated the pandemic potential of H5N1

The threat of H5N1 to human health is closely related to the outbreaks of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) in poultry

The surveillance of potential virus responsible for pandemic influenza is an important part of contingency preparedness

The Government's 3-tier response system for handling major infectious disease outbreaks

Alert Response Level

Serious Response Level

Emergency Response Level

Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic

Alert Response LevelScenarios :

Confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in poultry populations outside Hong Kong

Confirmation of HPAI in Hong Kong in imported birds in quarantine, in wild birds, in recreational parks, in pet bird shops or in the natural environment

Confirmation of human case(s) of avian influenza outside Hong Kong

Actions from Public – Alert Level

Maintain normal way of life

Pay attention to further announcements from the Government

Serious Response Level

Scenarios:

Confirmation of HPAI outbreaks in the environment of or among poultry population in retail markets, wholesale markets, farms in Hong Kong due to a strain with known human health impact

Confirmation of human case(s) of avian influenza in Hong Kong without evidence of efficient human-to-human transmission

Actions from Public - Serious Level

Maintain normal way of life

Prepare enough masks for possible exigencies

Pay attention to and comply with guidelines issued by the Government

Emergency Response Level

Scenarios :

Evidence of efficient human-to-human transmission of novel influenza overseas or in Hong Kong

Influenza pandemic

Actions from Public - Emergency Level

Use mask appropriately

Pay attention to and comply with guidelines issued by the Government

Current level ?

Why Should We Prevent Influenza

Changeable surface antigens of influenza viruses

Potential threat

Antigenic drift (minor changes)

Seasonal influenza

Antigenic shift (major changes)

Emergence of pandemic strain

Influenza pandemic

How to Prevent

Avoid touching live birds and poultry and their droppings

After contact with live birds and poultry, wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap and water immediately

Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating

Travellers returning from areas with reported avian flu outbreaks should consult doctors promptly if they have symptoms of influenza after the trip. Let the doctors know the travel history and wear a mask to prevent spread of the disease

How to Prevent

Ensure good ventilation

Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation

Prevent the trap of drainage pipe from drying and disinfect drain outlets. Pour half a litre of water into each drain outlet and add 1 teaspoon of 1:99 diluted household bleach solution into the outlet once a week

Keep your home clean, wipe furniture and toilet with 1:99 diluted household bleach solution once a week

8 Steps to Protect Yourself

Individual preparedness Before the pandemic comes

When the pandemic comes

How to Prevent

Step 1 Be prepared

Step 2 Get vaccinated

Step 3 Keep hands clean

Step 4 Use mask properly

8 Steps To Protect Yourself

Step 5 Know how influenza presents

Step 6 Manage fever well

Step 7 Practise healthy lifestyle

Step 8 Be resourceful

8 Steps To Protect Yourself

Step 1 : Be Prepared

Follow a healthy lifestyle

Consult a doctor for

influenza vaccination


Build up good personal hygiene

• wash hands frequently• wear mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop• cover mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of soiled tissue properly in a lidded rubbish bin• avoid touching eyes, mouth or nose


Keep at home • Masks

• Antipyretics for use when

necessary

• Thermometer

• Liquid soap

• Tissue

Be always ready with information of family doctor & other useful information

Seasonal peaks : Jan - Mar / Jul – Aug

Influenza vaccination one of the effective

means of preventing influenza complications

Influenza vaccination is recommended to special groups

Step 2 : Get Vaccinated

People who should receive influenza vaccination:

• Elderly persons living in residential care homes• Long-stay residents of institutions for the disabled • Elderly persons aged 65 years or above• Persons with chronic illnesses• Health care workers• Poultry workers• Children aged 6 to 23 months• Pregnant women in their second or third trimester

Influenza vaccine can be given on the same day as other types of vaccines



People not suitable to receive influenza vaccination:

• Allergic to eggs, neomycin, etc• Allergic to previous dose of influenza vaccine• With bleeding disorders or on warfarin deep subcutaneous injection • Suffer from acute febrile illness receive when recover


Two weeks after vaccination

antibodies develop and provide protection

Immunity declines over time


Yearly influenza vaccine is targeted on seasonal influenza only

Development of a new vaccine which matches the pandemic viral strain will probably take several months to complete

Step 3 : Keep Hands Clean

When Should We Wash Our Hands?

Before touching eyes, mouth & nose When hands are contaminated by respiratory secretion e.g. after coughing / sneezing After touching public installations or equipment e.g. escalator handrails, elevator control panels, door knobs Before handling food or eating After going to toilet

Step 3 : Keep Hands Clean

Steps to Good Hand

Washing : Wet hands under

running water Apply liquid soap and

rub hands together to make a soapy lather

Massage all the fingers properly for at least 20 seconds

• Rinse hands thoroughly under running water

Step 3 : Keep Hands Clean Dry hands thoroughly

with clean cotton towel / paper towel / hand dryer

The tap may be turned off by using the towel wrapping the faucet

Note: Rub hands with 65-95% alcohol handrub to disinfect them when hand washing facilities are not

available

Step 4 : Use Mask Properly

A way to prevent spread of respiratory tract infections

Surgical masks prevent spread of droplet infections

outward

Inward


People who should wear masks:

• Patients with respiratory infection symptoms• Caregivers of patients with respiratory infection symptoms • Visitors of clinics or hospitals

Points to note about wearing a surgical mask :

The mask should fit snugly over the face Try not to touch the mask once it is

secured on your face. If you must do so, wash your hands before and after touching the mask

When taking off the mask, avoid touching the outside of the mask


Points to note about wearing a surgical mask :

After taking off the mask, put the mask into a plastic or paper bag before putting it into a rubbish bin with a lid

A surgical mask should be changed at least daily

Replace the mask immediately if it is damaged or soiled


Step 5 : Know How Influenza Presents

Incubation period: about

1-3 days Signs and symptoms of influenza:

Fever

Headache

Muscle ache

Cough

Sore throat

Runny nose

Step 6 : Manage Fever WellFEVER － Symptom of underlying

illness (we should be concerned about the specific illness that causes fever)

Normal body temperature 37℃ / 98.6℉ can vary 1℃- 1.5℃ normally

Readings taken as reference under different methods of measurement: Rectal temperature (38℃) Oral or tympanic temperature (37.5 ℃) Axillary temperature (37.0 ℃, less reliable)

Step 6 : Manage Fever Well

Self-care tips of fever: Dressing in lightweight clothing and using light blanket facilitates escape of body heat Maintaining good ventilation of indoor areas facilitates escape of body heat Drink an adequate amount of water Consume nutritious and easily digestible food Have adequate rest

Self-care tips of fever: Check body temperature regularly Take antipyretics Symptoms persistent, severe or getting worse consult a doctor

Note:General households should maintain about one week’s supply of antipyretics for use when necessary

Step 6 : Manage Fever Well

Step 7 : Practise Healthy Lifestyle

Is one of the most effective ways to prevent communicable diseases

To lead a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet Get regular exercise Do not smoke Have adequate rest

build up body resistance


Major components of

a balanced diet A variety of food Whole grains as the major

component of each meal Plenty of fruits and

vegetables Adequate amounts of fluids

Eat adequate amounts of lean meat or beans, and reduced fat dairy products

Avoid processed or preserved food and food that is rich in fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar

Have regular meals


Regular exercise : 30 minutes every day / accumulate exercise time in multiple

sessions not less than 10 minutes each

Physical activity of moderate intensity builds up cardiovascular endurance

enhances heart and lung functions and blood circulation

improves health


Step 8 : Be Resourceful

Useful websites

Department of Healthwww.dh.gov.hk

Centre for Health Protectionwww.chp.gov.hk

Medical organisation hotlines

• 24-hour Health Education Hotline of the DH: 2833 0111• ‘Influenza Pandemic’ Hotline of the DH: 187 2222• Tel nos. of hospitals under the HA having 24-hour emergency services • Tel nos. of private hospitals having 24-hour emergency services

Knowledge can alleviate fear Before crisis comes: Go through

Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Kit

During the pandemic: Up-to-date and accurate information & government advice available through pamphlets, posters, websites, hotlines & the media

Be prepared in advance Understand Influenza Work Together Prevent the PANDEMICPANDEMIC

Documents

如何防備流感 HOW TO PREVENT INFLUENZA 衞生署中央健康教育組 Central Health Education Unit DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH October 2005