Hong Kong has gained valuable experience in its first confirmed human swine flu case, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says, adding new preventive measures and a strategy to fight the virus will be announced next week.

Speaking on a radio talk show today Dr Chow said the fight against the new virus is a long battle requiring continuous strategy reviews and information updates.

As scientists' knowledge on the virus is growing, health authorities will be able to grasp a clearer picture of the situation, he said.

Noting the virus is rather stable and its symptoms are mild in most cases, Dr Chow said the anti-flu drugs stockpiled in Hong Kong are effective in treating the illness.

As Hong Kong is an international city, it is difficult to stop people with the virus from coming to Hong Kong. However, proper surveillance measures at hospitals and border check points, strict health declaration work and prompt treatment and isolation will help contain the virus.

Dr Chow said isolation and quarantine is necessary for preventing the virus' spread, adding the Government will review its isolation policy and consult experts on the issue.

The Centre for Health Protection said there were five reported flu cases which required further tests in the past 24 hours. Results are pending and the five people are stable.

Up to 4pm today the centre's hotline 2125 1111 has received 1,760 calls since it was set up on April 30.