Travel Advice for Staff and Students (Updated June 17, 2004)

To prevent the resurgence of SARS and the emerging Avian Influenza, we should be vigilant in the following measures:

Before you travel:

Ø Browse the HKU SARS website (http://www.hku.hk/sars) with linkage to:

· World Health Organization (WHO) (http://www.who.int/csr/sars/travel/en/)

· Department of Health HKSAR (http://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/e_tourist.htm)

· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of USA (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/travel.htm)

for the most updated information regarding SARS and other infectious diseases related to Hong Kong and the place of destination.

Ø Browse the HKU Avian Influenza website (http://www.hku.hk/uhs/avianflu/index.htm) with linkage to:

· World Health Organization-Avian Influenza (http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/)

· Department of Health HKSAR (http://www.info.gov.hk/dh/diseases/influenza/influenza.htm)

· Centers for Disease and Prevention, USA (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm)

Ø The following people are advised NOT to travel or seek medical advice before travel:

· People who feel unwell or have a fever

· People who have been in close contact with suspected or confirmed SARS patients in the last 10 days.

Ø Prepare a travel medical kit containing a thermometer, masks, disinfectants such as alcohol swabs and medications as necessary. Traveller's Medical Pack containing common medicine is available in University Health Service at notional charge (http://www.hku.hk/uhs/travelpack.htm).

Ø Take out health insurance to cover hospitalization including potential SARS infection.

Ø Get plenty of sleep and have a well balanced diet to build up good body resistance. Do not overexert yourself.

While travelling:

Ø Take adequate rest

After arrival at destination:

Ø Avoid contact with live poultry or birds. Wash hands immediately after handling them. If hand washing facilities is not available, clean hands with a disinfectant containing 65-95% alcohol.

Ø Have masks handy and put on one when you or fellow travellers have symptoms of respiratory infection.

Ø If feeling unwell, especially if having a fever:

· Consult the doctor promptly.

· Do not join group activities and rest in hotel room.

After the trip:

Ø Watch out for symptoms of infection such as fever or diarrhoea within 14 days after the trip. Consult a doctor promptly and provide details of your recent travel to facilitate accurate diagnosis.

At all times:

Ø Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene:

· Keep hands clean. Wash hands with liquid soap and dry hands thoroughly.

· Wash hands before eating or handling food, and before touching mouth, nose and eyes.

· Cover nose and mouth with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing. Dispose used tissue into covered litter bin.

· Do not share towels or personal items.

· Use serving spoons or chopsticks.

· Do not litter or spit.

· Wear a mask if symptoms of respiratory infection develop.

HKU Task Force on SARS