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 LevelScenarios: 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
Step 1 : Be PreparedBuild 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
Step 1 : Be Prepared
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
Step 2 : Get Vaccinated
Step 2 : Get Vaccinated 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
Step 2 : Get Vaccinated
Two weeks after vaccination
antibodies develop and provide protection
Immunity declines over time
Step 2 : Get Vaccinated 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 CleanSteps 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
Step 4 : Use Mask Properly 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
Step 4 : Use Mask Properly
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 4 : Use Mask Properly
Step 5 : Know How Influenza PresentsIncubation 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 WellSelf-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 diseasesTo lead a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet Get regular exercise Do not smoke Have adequate rest build up body resistance
Step 7 : Practise Healthy LifestyleMajor 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
Step 7 : Practise Healthy Lifestyle
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 7 : Practise Healthy Lifestyle
Step 8 : Be Resourceful
Useful websitesDepartment 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