Good hygiene is key measure against pandemic influenza
25 October 2005
The observance of good personal and environmental hygiene is the key to protect oneself against pandemic influenza. Members of the public are not recommended to stockpile antiviral on their own.
The remark was made by the Chairman of the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (SCEZD) of the Centre for Health Protection, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung at a media briefing today (October 25).
"Washing hands is the most important weapon we have in combating the virus," he said.
Professor Yuen pointed out that using antiviral without doctors' professional advice would greatly increase the chance of antiviral resistance emerging from the virus.
He said that as the supply of the drug is not unlimited, some form of priority setting is required to maximize the benefit for the community as a whole in the event of pandemic influenza.
Though priority accorded to each category for administration of antiviral may vary according to circumstances, the options for using antiviral are considered in the following situations:
- Treatment for infected patients;
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis for healthcare workers and other essential service providers;
- Prophylaxis for workers involved in culling operations; and
- Post-exposure prophylaxis for contacts.
Professor Yuen explained that currently available influenza vaccines cannot prevent avian flu. However, they reduce the chance of complications and hospitalization arising from ordinary human influenza among certain high-risk groups, such as the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.
