The Health Bureau holds a press conference to give updates on the seasonal influenza situation in Macao.
Macao has prepared a response plan for seasonal influenza and has sufficient supply of medicines, vaccines and other medical resources to cope with the fluctuating incidence of flu.
The medical stocks include a reserve of antiviral medicines that could serve an aggregate of 180,000 people, and a three-month supply of epidemic-prevention material.
The Director of the Health Bureau, Mr Lei Chin Ion, gave the assurances on Tuesday (23 January) during a press conference to give updates on the situation regarding occurrence of seasonal flu in Macao.
The Government appealed to members of the public to get vaccinated against seasonal flu, as Macao had entered from December onward a peak season for flu. The Bureau has purchased a total of 120,000 flu jabs to be made available to the Macao public and some 103,500 people have received their vaccinations, Mr Lei disclosed.
So far, there were no records of a patient either dying or being in a critical condition due to flu.
The Bureau noted an increase in flu cases in Macao, as well as a slight increase in the waiting time for accident and emergency services at hospital as well as on the occupancy rate of medical wards in hospitals.
The Health Bureau will continue to monitor developments regarding incidence of respiratory diseases. Members of the public are urged to practise good personal and environmental hygiene and to take heed of the following measures in order to minimise the risk of infection from a respiratory disease:
- Get vaccinated every year for flu;
- Take adequate rest, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise regularly;
- Maintain strict personal hygiene and wash hands frequently;
- Cover nose and mouth with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing; properly dispose of any nasal or mouth fluid discharge and wash hands thoroughly afterwards; and cover nose and mouth with elbow when sneezing without tissue paper;
- Maintain good indoor ventilation and environmental hygiene;
- Wear a mask if respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough develop; if taking care of a patient at home; and if visiting hospitals and clinics; and
- Seek medical treatment immediately in the event of feeling unwell.
For more information regarding seasonal flu, please visit the website of the Health Bureau (http://www.ssm.gov.mo/csr/); or call the hotline at +853 2870 0800.