Chairman’s Announcement (23 March 2005) 

Hong Kong has entered the peak season for influenza in the last two weeks.  There was increasing number of patients with influenza-like symptoms attending the A & E Department of the public hospitals.  In our University Health Service, we also recorded that the number of staff and students attending the Health Centre with Upper Respiratory Infection and Influenza-like diseases had also increased by 30%.  Staff and students should remain vigilant that influenza is characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain and other respiratory symptoms.  

The best way to prevent influenza is to improve body resistance by healthy lifestyle and avoid going to crowded area with poor ventilation.  Remember to wear mask if you have respiratory symptoms like coughing, sore throat and running nose, to protect yourself from further secondary infection and also to avoid spreading the virus to others.  Properly dispose the nasal and mouth discharges and wash hand frequently.   Please visit the website for information on the Mask Policy at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/sars_and_flu/mask_policy.htm.  Vaccination for Influenza is available at the Health Centre for those who haven't been immunized this year.  The cost is $60. 

For people who are suffering from influenza should take adequate rest, drink of fluid and consume nutritious food.  Influenza is usually self-limiting with recovery in two to seven days.  If severe symptoms persist like chest pain, wheezing or shortness of breath, you are urged to seek medical attention for further treatment and investigation. 

Chairman’s Announcement (12 March 2005)

Hong Kong has entered the influenza peak season as the sentinel surveillance networks among medical practitioners detected an increase of influenza-like illness in the community. There were eleven institutions confirmed influenza outbreaks in March.  Majority of the Influenza virus found in the specimen contain H3N2 California type of virus.  The University Health Service keeps stock of the Influenza Vaccine which contains H3N2 Fujian that is believed can protect against the California Type.  For those who have not been immunized can contact the Health Service for the vaccination.  Staff and students are reminded to build up good body resistance and avoid going to crowded places with poor ventilation. 

The number of human cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza in Asia since December 2003 has been ongoing mostly in Vietnam and Thailand.  There are 69 cases with 46 fatalities.  From January this year, Vietnam has 24 cases with 13 deaths.  Please be reminded to stay away from chicken and birds when visiting these countries and make sure that the chicken and eggs are well cooked before consumption.

Chairman’s Announcement (1 March 2005) 

In Vietnam, a 69-year-old man died of Avian Influenza, making the total number of deaths to 14 since January this year. Another three people are hospitalized and confirmed as Influenza A (H5N1). Two of them are related as brother and sister. 

As of February 28, 2005, there have been cases of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in Vietnam (40), Thailand (17) and Cambodia (1) resulting in 45 deaths. When visiting these countries, students and staff are reminded to stay away from poultry and make sure that the chickens are well cooked before consumption.  For more information about H5N1 infections in human, please visit the CHP website http://www.info.gov.hk/info/flu/eng/global.htm.