The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the world is no longer in Phase 6 of influenza pandemic alert and now moving into the post-pandemic period following the advice of the WHO's Emergency Committee on August 10, 2010.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of Hong Kong had also lowered its influenza response level under the Framework of Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic from the "emergency" to the "alert" response level since May 24, 2010.
While the level of concern is now greatly diminished, vaccination remains important as a means of reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by influenza viruses. WHO strongly recommends vaccination for high-risk groups and health care workers. Groups at increased risk of severe illness from the pandemic H1N1 virus included young children, pregnant women, and people with underlying respiratory or other chronic conditions, including asthma and diabetes.
The H1N1 (2009) virus is expected to continue to circulate as a seasonal virus for some years to come, though the behaviour of the virus as a seasonal virus cannot be reliably predicted. The public are advised to stay vigilant and continue practising good hygiene including washing hands particularly after sneezing or coughing; maintaining good ventilation; building up good body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, and avoiding smoking.
Dr. Silvia Kam
for Dr. Kitty Chan
Convenor
HKU Task Force on Infectious Diseases