American Citizens Services

July 2009 American Citizens Services Newsletter

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau

Welcome to the July newsletter! Here are this month's topics:

New Topics:

• H1N1: What to Do
• H1N1 Diagnosis and Treatment
• 4th of July Celebrations

Continuing Topics of Interest:

• Upcoming Closures
• Subscribing/Unsubscribing

H1N1: WHAT TO DO

We have received several inquiries concerning exposure to the H1N1 Influenza.

The H1N1 virus can spread easily thru respiratory air-born droplets from a cough or a sneeze, and it appears to produce symptoms similar to the well-known Seasonal Flu with most recovering well within a week's time with proper rest, fluids, Tylenol for fever, etc.

If a person in your apartment building, school, or office, contracts the H1N1 flu, your response should be to practice good hygiene: wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, & mouth, etc. Be informed of the current community situation & adhere to local guidance. If you have flu-like symptoms the Hong Kong Center for Health Protection recommends you:

• Be hygienic: wash hands frequently; cover cough and sneezes; keep the environment clean and maintain good ventilation; avoid visiting crowded or poorly-ventilated places.
• Be responsible: if influenza-like symptoms develop, put on a mask and seek medical attention as soon as possible; stay home, avoid contact with others, do not go to work or school, and defer trips.
• Be vigilant: pay attention to advice and guidelines issued by the Government with respect to provision of medical services, travelling, border health control, suspension of schools and public events

For current information about H1N1 in Hong Kong and Macau, see the Hong Kong Center for Health Protection website at chp.gov.hk or http://www.ssm.gov.mo/design/home_e_fs.htm or the Macau Health Bureau website at http://www.ssm.gov.mo/design/home_e_fs.htm.

For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department's "Pandemic/Avian Influenza" and "Remain in Country" fact sheets on www.travel.state.gov. Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

H1N1 DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The Hong Kong Hospital Authority has designated eight flu clinics for management of patients with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat). For a list of the Hospital Authority's designated flu clinics go to: http://www.ha.org.hk/haho/ho/cc/8dfc.pdf.

In Macau, you can be tested and get treatment at the Hospital Centre S. Januario (HCSJ) or one of the Health Bureau's Health Centres. See the Health Bureau website for a list of locations: http://www.ssm.gov.mo/design/guide/e_guide_fs.htm.

A list of private doctors and hospitals can also be found on our website at: http://hongkong.usconsulate.gov/acs_medical.html

INDEPENDENCE DAY

AmChamHK Summertime Poolside Lunch Buffet and Swimming 4-July 11:00am-3:30pm at the Conrad Hotel More details: http://www.amcham.org.hk/index.php/component/option,com_gigcal/Itemid,48 3/gigcal_gigs_id,438/task,details/

AmChamMacau Independence BBQ Party 4-July 6-11pm at Macau Tower More details: Tel. 853-8988-8622 or E-mail: t2reception@macautower.com.mo

UPCOMING CLOSURES

The Consulate General will be closed on July 1st in observance of Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day, and on July 3rd in observance of U.S. Independence Day.

SUBSCRIBING/UNSUBSCRIBING

If you wish to subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter, please do so by going to our web page at http://hongkong.usconsulate.gov/acs_subscribe_newsletter.html.

New subscribers will be sent the last few messages we have sent out in a digest form to help them catch up. Back issues are on the web at http://hongkong.usconsulate.gov/acs_newsletter.html.

 

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This newsletter is published by the American Citizens Services Unit, U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau. Tel: 2841-2211, 2841-2323, 2841-2225; fax: 2845-4845; e-mail: acshk@state.gov; website: http://hongkong.usconsulate.gov. All services are by online appointment only.

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Last modified: June 30, 2009