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| Photo credit: CHP |
Hong Kong has entered the flu season and with one unvaccinated four-year-old child hospitalized with severe flu complications, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau has raised the alarm that more than 160 schools have refused to join the government’s in-campus vaccination program.
“We actually listed out all the schools in November last
year for the first time. It is the fact which I think should be available to
the public,” Professor Lo said.
“If the parents are not aware that their schools are not
offering the program, they would not be aware of the fact that they would need
to bring their kids to private clinics, or whatever facilities, to arrange
vaccinations for their own kid(s),” he said.
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“Vaccinations are the most protective way in preventing
serious flu complications, including hospital admission and even deaths,” he
added.
Last year saw 35 children suffer from severe flu
complications, six of whom died.
For its part, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the
Department of Health (DH) also urged elderly persons, especially those residing
in residential care homes, to receive both a seasonal influenza vaccination and
a COVID-19 vaccination.
“The public should also maintain good personal and
environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses,” it added.
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It offered some health pointers to avoid the flu:
- Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
- Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
- When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
- Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
- Maintain good indoor ventilation;
- Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
- Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
- When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.
For more health
information, the public may call the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111)
or visit the CHP's website (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/index.html)and
Facebook Fanpage (https://www.facebook.com/CentreforHealthProtection/).
The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit
the website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and
forecasts, or its page on Weather Information for Senior Citizens (https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/sports/socare/socare.htm).
