In fight of H1N1 – a collaborative effort required

At the pandemic peak

Since the beginning of the second quarter this year, Hong Kong is under the threat of a possible widespread of Influenza A (H1N1). On 10 July, we saw the report of the first death case related to H1N1 and subsequently the emergence of severe H1N1 cases in Hong Kong. Some experts opined that the peak of the pandemic is still going on while some said the statistics of patients tested positive for the disease indicated that the city may have entered the post peak period of the pandemic.

How can we protect ourselves in midst of the escalating no. of confirmed cases? How can we prepare for a second wave of the pandemic?

Are you within the high-risk group?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase five to phase six on 11 June. Be particularly careful if you are within the high-risk group of influenza related complications (people with chronic illnesses and in immuno-compromised state, children below six years old, adults aged 65 or above or , pregnant women), and seek medical treatment immediately whenever you develop flu symptoms.

A collaborative effort is required

H1N1 is a concern for all and hence every individual and organization should remain vigilant and proactively work together to cope with it. Apart from the general guidelines issued and updated by the Government regularly, individual organization should also take the lead to keep its employees or members updated on the development, set clear policies for them to observe and provide necessary assistance when required.

Take PolyU as an example, a Task Force has been set up in early May to handle the Influenza threat at the University. Its role is to monitor and assess the impact caused by H1N1, provide up-to-date information to staff and students, as well as coordinate internal efforts with external parties.

A specific website has been set up, which makes available all the general information about H1N1, health tips and the special arrangements made by the University to its staff and students. Workshops on measures against H1N1 have been organized. There are also clear guidelines on sick leave arrangement, student activities and visits to PolyU by external parties.

In addition, the University has built a central stock of surgical masks for staff use. Other than stepping up hygienic measures in the campus, special training sessions for cleaning staff, contractors and clinical staff have been arranged.

With all these initiatives by the University and the support and co-operation from its staff and students, PolyU is quite confident that the threat of H1N1 can be minimized within the University and all the core activities can proceed as usual.

Beyond PolyU

PolyU does not only care about its staff and students, it cares very much the well-being of the community it serves. In 2007, the WHO has designated the PolyU School of Nursing as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services. The School is making every effort to support WHO’s objectives and programmes, including community health education to raise public health awareness, particularly during this critical time of influenza pandemic.

In the outbreak of H1N1, the School of Nursing has expressed special concern and provided guidance for students who have to engage in job placement in hospitals. The School emphasizes on training students to protect themselves against the disease, encourages high self-awareness of their own health condition and has established a self-reporting system for students who have experienced flu symptoms. With a spirit of professionalism, PolyU students will continue to provide quality nursing care to patients amid the H1N1 pandemic.

To provide the general public with useful information about health and well-being, PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences has also published a comic book entitled "Healthy, Happy Life Theatre” in collaboration with local comic artist Mr Aken Leung. It covers a broad range of topics from infection control including H1N1, nursing, eye care to physiotherapy and mental health, with professional advice given by the departments and schools under the Faculty. More info on the comic book.