INFLUENZA.doc

INFLUENZA According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the recent appearance and wide distribution of Avian influenza virus has the potential of igniting the next influenza pandemic causing very high death rate. Influenza is a highly infectious viral disease which may affect anybody through droplet spread or direct contact with infected secretions. H1N1 and H3N2 of Type A virus are the most common in Hong Kong. Changes in the subtypes of the virus necessitate periodic reformulation of influenza vaccine. In Hong Kong, January-March is one of the seasons when the disease is more prevalent. Influenza is an acute illness of the respiratory tract, characterized by fever, headache, muscle ache, runny nose, cough and sore throat. It is generally a mild illness. The disease is usually self-limiting with recovery in 2-7 days. However, it can be a serious illness to the weak and frail, such as elderly persons, and may be complicated by bronchitis, pneumonia, and even death in the most serious cases. For patients with lower resistance or when there are signs of deterioration e.g. persistent fever or shortness of breath, they should seek early medical advice. Antiviral agents like amantadine is effective for strains of influenza A, but it must be used with care as it can cause serious side effects, like loss of appetite, vomiting, insomnia, dizziness and hallucination. PreventionMaintain good personal hygiene such as wash hands properly; cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing; maintain good body resistance; avoid crowded public place; and get influenza vaccine. Following the guidelines developed by HA, Department of Health and the CUHK Campus SARS/Avian Flu Task Force, UHS has developed a set or working infection control procedures in preparation of the potential flu outbreak. 流行性感冒 世界衛生組織鑑於東南亞近日出現禽流感爆發，更有病毒由人傳人個案，人類患H5流感的病例亦有可能大型爆發。 流感，是透過呼吸道傳染的疾病。引起流行性感冒病毒以甲類H3N2及甲類H1N1和乙類常見於香港。流行性感冒病毒(尤以甲類)的特性是可透過不定時的基因突變，衍生新品種，造成大規模流行性感冒。 流行性感冒主要是經空氣或飛沬或接觸患者的噴沬，透過呼吸道傳