Personal hygiene is one of the keys to preventing avian flu, Assistant Director of Health Dr Chan Wai-man says, adding that thousands of poultry workers have been vaccinated against influenza.

Speaking on a radio programme this morning, Dr Chan said there was no vaccine that was confirmed to be effective in preventing avian flu. The vaccination programme for poultry workers could only help prevent cross infection, she said.

Urging poultry workers to observe personal hygiene, she reminded them to wash their hands thoroughly after handling live poultry.

Noting that Hong Kong's flu season usually peaked in January, Dr Chan said there had not been a great increase in flu cases last month.

However, Hong Kong has entered the peak season for intestinal infection and a 50% increase in cases was recorded in January.

Attributing the increase to the popularity of hotpot meals in winter, Dr Chan reminded the public to pay special attention to food hygiene.