Protecting Yourself Against

SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS) / ATYPICAL PNEUMONIA

MODE OF TRANSMISSION  Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) or Atypical Pneumonia is a type of respiratory tract infection transmitted by respiratory droplets over a short distance.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Build up good body immunity.  Ensure a proper diet.  Take regular exercise.  Have adequate rest.  Reduce stress.  Avoid Smoking and Passive Smoking.
• Maintain good personal hygiene:
  • Wear a mask at crowded and/or confined places such as classes, lectures or tutorials
  • Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing if not wearing mask
  • Keep hands clean: wash them frequently and thoroughly.  Use liquid soap and dry hands thoroughly.
  • Wash hands especially after contact with nasal secretions such as sneezing or coughing.
  • Do not rub eyes or nose.
  • Do not share towels.
• Use separate chopsticks or spoons for serving food.
• Do not share eating utensils.
• Help to keep the environment clean: cleanse your office or room regularly and properly.
• Maintain good indoor ventilation: open windows if possible.
• Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
• If you develop fever, temp > 37.2°C (99°F) on 3 separate recordings or diarrhoea:
  (Most sufferers of SARS do not have cough, sneezing or runny nose at the early stage.)
  • Do not go to work or lectures
  • Consult your doctor promptly
  • Wear a mask to reduce the chance of spreading the infection

  • Inform your warden if residing in Hall

CLOSE CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WHO IS SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED TO HAVE SARS

• Please do not go to work or lectures for 10 days after last encounter with the SARS case.
• Wear a mask all the time except sleeping, eating or showering.
• Keep on the alert for symptoms of fever or diarrhoea and consult your doctor.
• Inform University Health Service at 2859-2500 or e-mail: uhealth@hkusua.hku.hk
• Inform your Department Head.

HOTLINE & FURTHER INFORMATION

Updates will be posted on the first page of the University web site www.hku.hk.  This webpage will also provide links to the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health, HKSAR, with updated information concerning SARS.

Hotline for enquiries for University members:
University Health Service Tel: 2859-2507 (9 am – 5 pm) or 6021-5290 (24 hours)
Department of Health Tel: 187-2222

University Health Service, The University of Hong Kong
30 April 2003