Health in Hong Kong

Health

Water from government mains satisfies World Health Organization (WHO) standards, but bottled water tastes more pleasant. Expect to pay HK$10 to HK$12 for a 1 1/2-liter bottle of purified water.

Hong Kong-Specific Issues

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), also known as atypical pneumonia, is a respiratory illness caused by a strain of coronavirus that was first reported in parts of Asia in early 2003. Symptoms include a fever greater than 100.4°F (38°C), shortness of breath, and other flulike symptoms. The disease is thought to spread by close person-to-person contact, particularly respiratory droplets and secretions transmitted through the eyes, nose, or mouth. To prevent SARS, the Hong Kong Health Department recommends maintaining good personal hygiene, washing hands frequently, and wearing a face mask in crowded public places. SARS hasn't returned to Hong Kong, but many experts believe that it or other contagious, upper-respiratory viruses will continue to be a seasonal health concern.

Avian Influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu, is a form of influenza that affects birds (including poultry) but can be passed to humans. It causes initial flu symptoms, followed by respiratory and organ failure. Although rare, it's often lethal: there've been three outbreaks in Hong Kong, causing a total of seven deaths. The Hong Kong Government now exercises strict control over poultry farms and markets, and there are signs all over town warning against contact with birds. Pay heed to them, and make sure that any poultry or eggs you consume are well-cooked.

Local Health Information

Department of Health Hotline (2961-8968. www.dh.gov.hk). Traveller's Health Service (2150-7235. www.travelhealth.gov.hk).

Over-the-Counter Remedies

You can find most familiar over-the-counter medications (like aspirin and ibuprofen) easily in pharmacies such as Watson's, and often in supermarkets and convenience stores, too. Acetominophen -- or Tylenol -- is often known as paracetomol locally. Oral contraceptives are also available without prescription.