It is so confusing with these terms, "Ordinary influenza", "Pandemic influenza" and "Avian influenza". Do they mean the same thing? If not, what are the differences?

Human influenza and avian influenza are infectious diseases caused by influenza viruses. "Ordinary influenza" commonly occurs in human beings. A few occasions of "Pandemic influenza", characterised by larger number of people infected and more severe consequences, have been reported. On the other hand, "Avian influenza" was previously seen in birds only. However, transmission of avian flu virus to human has been observed. In view of the occurrence of avian influenza outbreaks in Asia and Europe recently, a pandemic flu resulting from avian flu is a real threat. The following is a comparison among ordinary, pandemic and avian influenza.

What can I do to prevent ordinary influenza and avian influenza?

The public can take the following measures to prevent ordinary influenza:

• Observe good personal and environmental hygiene.
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly.
• Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Dispose sputum or secretions wrapped in tissue paper into rubbish bins with lids. Wash hands afterwards.
• Maintain good indoor ventilation.
• Avoid crowded places with poor ventilation if you are feeling unwell.
• Develop good body resistance and have a healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, reducing stress and no smoking.

The public can take the following measures to prevent avian influenza.

• Avoid touching live poultry or their droppings, because they may carry the avian influenza virus.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with liquid soap and water immediately after contact with live poultry, birds or their droppings.
• Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating.
• If you have flu symptoms, consult a doctor and wear a mask to prevent spread of disease. Tell your doctor your travel history if you have been to places with outbreak of avian influenza reported.

Can I be protected against avian influenza by having influenza vaccination?

Influenza vaccine cannot prevent avian influenza as the vaccine is specific for human influenza. The vaccine can help reduce the chance of complications and hospitalisation resulting from human influenza. Hence, influenza vaccination is recommended for the elderly and patients with chronic cardiac or respiratory diseases. Influenza vaccine can also reduce the chance of genetic re-assortment and subsequent emergence of influenza strain with pandemic potential. People should seek medical advice if they are considering getting the vaccination. At present, scientists are actively doing research on avian influenza vaccines for use in humans, but none has become widely available commercially.

Should I ask my doctor to purchase oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) and keep it in his clinic for me, in case I come down with pandemic flu?

Whether a doctor prescribes antiviral drugs to a patient will depend on the circumstances and health needs of the patient, taking into consideration the presence of any contraindication and balancing the benefits of taking the anti-viral drugs against the possible adverse side effects. Indiscriminate use of antiviral drugs may give rise to drug resistance.

Can I take oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) as prophylaxis?

For prophylaxis, its effectiveness lasts as long as the drugs are being taken and ceases once the drugs are stopped. Self-medication is not encouraged because of potential side effects and possibility of emergence of antiviral resistance. Prophylaxis should be prescribed by registered doctors.

Should corporations stockpile antiviral drugs for their employees?

Corporations are advised to devise their own contingency plans, including staff deployment, infection control measures, etc. for influenza pandemic. To maintain the provision of essential service during the influenza pandemic, corporations should consider making arrangements with medical practitioners for the stockpiling of antiviral drugs for their staff.

When the pandemic comes, what can I do?

When a pandemic strikes, it may not be possible to totally eliminate the risk of infection. However, you can reduce the risk considerably if you are prepared for the following measures and adhere to them.

• Step up hygienic practices like washing hands and keeping the environment clean and maintain good ventilation.
• Avoid crowded or poorly-ventilated places.
• Wear a mask if you develop flu-like symptoms, when caring for the sick, and when visiting hospitals and/or clinics.
• Watch out for the latest situation of the influenza pandemic and further announcements from the government.
• Pay attention to and comply with guidelines issued by the government with respect to travelling, port health control and suspension of public events as needs arise.