HONG KONG: Smokers, obese people and children under the age of six are now classified as high-risk groups of A (H1N1) influenza and will be given Tamiflu once they appear with flu-like symptoms.

The new prescription criteria was announced by an expert group of the Hospital Authority (HA) last weekend after the emergence of more severe cases and increasing number of infections in Hong Kong.

The city confirmed 76 new cases of human swine flu yesterday, bringing the total number of infections to 1,886.

Forty-one patients are hospitalized, with five in critical condition.

Liu Shao-hei, the HA's chief manager (Infection, Emergency & Contingency), said that according to the experts' study some factors may cause more serious reactions.

The expert group recommends pneumonia patients with risk factors including pregnancy, smoking, obesity and persistent flu-like symptoms beyond 48 hours should be given anti-viral treatment at the earliest possibility. Children under six and babies are also subject to the arrangement.

Out-patients confirmed as being infected will also be prescribed medication.

For pregnant women and children under one, doctors will obtain consent from the patients or their families before prescribing medication. Pregnant women will be advised to take Relenza spray to minimize side effects.

Since study on the swine flu revealed that the virus would attack the lower respiratory tract and cause pneumonia and all community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients will undergo laboratory tests for swine flu.

Repeated investigations will be conducted for CAP inpatients if the initial tests are negative.

Meanwhile, the eight designated flu clinics will resume service for follow-up consultation for chronic patients starting from August 17.

"Proper segregation will be put in place to prevent cross infection between the two types of patients," said Under Secretary for Food and Health Gabriel Leung.

Each clinic will have two designated consultation rooms for patients with flu-like illness.

Infectious disease expert Lo Wing-lok said the public hospitals have been under heavy burden since the flu outbreak, and it is time to adjust the extraordinary measures.

"The government should not neglect medical treatment for chronic patients," Lo said.

He suggested identifying patients with flu-like symptoms before they enter the clinics to minimize the chances of cross infection.

Leung warned that the city is still amid the summer peak of influenza. Human swine flu accounts for 36 percent of all types of flu.

Fourteen in every 100 people who have been in contact with swine flu patients will be infected and fall ill, according to the estimation of the University of Hong Kong.

Leung said over 99.5 percent of patients only sustain mild symptoms and could recover in a week without taking medication.

"However, it is still unknown whether the virus will mutate and cause a more severe pandemic so the community must not lower their guard," he added.

(HK Edition 07/21/2009 page1)