Chairman’s Announcement (24 December 2004)

During the present festive seasons of Christmas and New Year, many staff and students will take a break and will travel out of Hong Kong. I wish everyone will have a good time and keep yourself healthy whether you stay in Hong Kong or travel to other places especially bearing in mind the imminent major global outbreak of influenza.

This year, several Asian countries were affected by avian influenza and human cases were noted in Thailand and Vietnam as well. Precautions to prevent respiratory tract infection should be taken when traveling to these areas. You should avoid visiting farms or parks with wild birds. In addition, you should avoid touching any birds, poultry or their droppings and wash hands immediately if contact with birds or poultry.

In areas with cold climate, prepare enough warm clothing and avoid exhaustion to minimize the risk of getting upper respiratory tract infection or influenza.

You should also observe the guidelines in this website for personal hygiene which include personal hygiene with hand washing, care with food and drink, and consulting doctor when you are unwell.

You may seek advice from UHS or your own doctor regarding any infection occurring in the place you are visiting, in regard to precautionary measures and vaccination needs. Currently, UHS is organizing a vaccination service against influenza. Those who are of the older or younger age groups and those with chronic diseases are advised to consider receiving the influenza vaccine.

You should also observe the mosquito prevention measures especially in regard to the occurrence of Dengue Fever in a number of locations including Taiwan, Singapore and Indonesia.

Lastly, you should always ensure safety and beware of accidents.

After the Trip, you should seek medical advice if you have fever, diarrhoea, cough or rash after the trip; and inform doctor your recent travel history.

For further details above health and safety when traveling, the following website may be helpful: http://www.info.gov.hk/trhealth/e_HKTHS.htm