May 19, 2001
The Department of Health (DH) said today (May 19) that the best way to prevent influenza infection was to build up body resistance by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest at all times.
"Good ventilation, stress reduction and no smoking are also important."
In response to media enquiries, a DH spokesman said there was no evidence to suggest that the H5 virus detected recently would affect human health. He also said that consumption of well-cooked poultry was safe because the virus would easily be killed at normal cooking temperature.
"As a matter of good personal hygiene, persons handling live birds and animals should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards. It is also hygienic to avoid contact with faecal matter from live birds and animals."
"When one is unwell, it is better to avoid crowded places where air ventilation is not good and to seek prompt medical attention."
For more health advice, the public can refer to the hotline of DH's Central Health Education Unit at 2833 0111.
DH has an intense and effective surveillance system to monitor human influenza. No H5N1 virus has been detected since 1998.