Health

It’s the time of year when influenza is going around again. This virus is highly contagious and annoying. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of infection prevent influenza:
 

1. ​Wearing a surgical mask properly: ​Wearing a surgical mask properly which could effectively prevent respiratory diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets. The CHP reminded high risk persons to wear a surgical mask when visiting public places, and the public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transportation or staying at crowded places. Persons who are symptomatic, even if having mild symptoms, should wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, and seek medical advice promptly with a view to lowering the risk of spreading the virus. For information on the proper use of masks, please visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/460/19731.html).
2. Vaccinations: Getting vaccinated against influenza every year is one of the most effective methods. Influenza vaccines may not completely prevent infection, but they can reduce the severity and duration of the condition, protecting high-risk demographics such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic diseases.The 2023/24 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Funding Program was launched on September 28, 2023, while the Government Epidemic Prevention Injection Program, Seasonal Influenza Vaccine School Outreach (Free) Program, and Hospital Epidemic Prevention Injection Program will begin on October 5, 2023. Details can be viewed: https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/46199.html
3. Regular hand washing: Pay attention to personal hygiene – washing your hands frequently is the most basic and important measure to prevent influenza. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after being in public areas, near sources of infection i.e. someone who is sneezing or coughing. If you don’t have access to soap, using alcohol containing hand disinfectants is also a decent choice.
4. Avoid touching the face: Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands as these are the main pathways for viruses to enter our bodies.
5. Healthy diet: Maintaining a balanced diet is key to enhancing the immune system. Getting enough vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and zinc, can help boost immunity. Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and protein rich foods.
6. Sneezing and coughing in the corner: When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow to avoid releasing the virus into the air or on surfaces and then properly dispose used tissues.
7. Avoid encountering those infected: If you know someone that has contracted the flu, minimise contact with them.
8. Keeping your environment clean: Regularly clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces, such as tables, door handles, telephones, etc. Viruses can survive on these surfaces for a while leading to the spread of infections.
9. Boosting immunity: Adequate rest, good sleep, and regular exercise can enhance the immune system. Maintaining mental health is also very important, as stress and anxiety can make us more susceptible to contracting the influenza virus. 

How to prevent getting flu if traveling abroad?
 
If you are going on a trip and the local flu situation is also severe, getting vaccinated against the flu is recommended before departure. It takes about two weeks to get vaccinated before the body produces enough antibodies, so remember to get vaccinated early. Children and older adults aged 65 or above are more prone to contracting influenza due to weaker immune systems. In addition, long-term patients are also one of the high-risk persons suffering from flu, such as those suffering from hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or immune disorders, who need to take drugs for a long time.
 
The influenza virus is mainly transmitted through droplets produced by patients coughing, sneezing, or speaking, so people can wear masks when going out. Hundreds of people spend hours together in the same space, especially in densely populated spaces, such as when taking a plane. If one person gets the flu, the others are also susceptible to infection. In addition, everyone should be vigilant and pay attention to personal hygiene. It is best always to have alcohol hand sanitiser when travelling, as not everyone can wash their hands.
 
What should I do if I catch the flu in another city?
 
Influenza is different from the general cold. The influenza virus is much more severe and can cause fever, headache, eye pain, bone pain, cough, and more. It is more likely to cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, pericarditis, encephalitis, acute kidney failure, and so on. However, the surface symptoms of influenza and cold are similar, so do seek medical attention early and test yourself, especially if you are vulnerable to diseases.
 
If the initial symptoms of influenza appear, patients should naturally rest and drink more water and may need to shorten their journey to rest. In terms of diet, opt for light meals. Choose smaller portions of clean foods. Drinking water should be done in a bottle to ensure cleanliness and sterility. Of course, if feasible, the most appropriate approach is to seek medical attention locally.
 
Through these methods, even when travelling, we can reduce the risk of contracting influenza and protect our health and others.