To be distributed to households soon, it recommends that residents buy in an adequate stock of masks and pills
A flu information kit to be issued to households urges them to stock up on surgical masks and anti-fever medicine in preparation for a possible flu pandemic, the city's top disease control expert said yesterday.
But Centre for Health Protection (CHP) controller Leung Pak-yin said he would not recommend people begin stockpiling remedies like Tamiflu yet, suggesting that individuals instead inquire whether their GPs have sufficient reserves. In an interview with the Post, Dr Leung said the flu kits, which are being prepared as part of a comprehensive action plan, would be distributed in a few months as 'first aid' against a pandemic.
News of the kits comes as the city remains on an 'alert' response level amid a wave of regional bird flu outbreaks that have claimed 50 lives. Dr Leung pointed out the flu preparedness plan was not aimed at averting a pandemic.
'The whole strategy of a pandemic preparedness plan is to decrease the mortality and morbidity. In no way can you stop it,' he said. As the public's role will be critical in minimising impact, the flu kits will contain information on how to prepare for a pandemic and details about flu, as well as the number of a government hotline.
'Normally during peace time people do not bother about these. The kit at home would serve to tell people what to do. They can have time to read and prepare. So we need to tell them in advance to stock up on things,' said Dr Leung. 'We are going to ask our general families to stock up on masks at home, like keeping them in a first-aid kit, prepare anti-fever medicines like Panadol, and watch out for government news.
'Then, during a pandemic you read it again for all the detailed information, including the hotline number.'
