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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 17) called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URI).
The appeal followed the CHP's investigation into a URI outbreak at a primary school in Kowloon Tong involving 12 students aged between eight and nine, and 10 staff members.
Investigation revealed that the affected persons, comprising 11 males and 11 females, developed URI symptoms including fever, runny nose, cough and sore throat since January 7. All of them were stable and none required hospitalisation.
Staff of the CHP conducted site visit and provided health advice to the school.
To prevent URI and influenza, the public are advised to adopt the following measures:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.
Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
For more information on the disease, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, January 17, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:04
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