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Hotline on prevention of respiratory tract infections set up in Hong Kong
Press Release - March 18, 2003
The HKSAR Department of Health (DH) will set up a telephone hotline (852) 2961 8968 from 11 am today (March 18) to provide members of the public health advice on the prevention of respiratory tract infections.
The hotline will be manned between 9 am and 5 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday.
As a precautionary measure, members of the public are advised to take the following advice to prevent respiratory tract infections:
Build up good body immunity. This means taking a proper diet, having regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
Maintain good personal hygiene. Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Use liquid soap for hand washing and disposable towel for drying hands.
Wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions e.g. after sneezing.
Do not share towels.
Keep home environment clean, and cleanse furniture properly.
Maintain good indoor ventilation.
Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
Consult your doctor promptly if you develop respiratory symptoms.
As for those who need to take care of sick family members with respiratory tract infections, they are advised to observe the following advice:
Persons who are unwell should consult a doctor.
They should follow instructions given by the doctor including the use of drugs as prescribed and taking adequate rest as appropriate.
Adhere to good personal hygiene practices.
Patients should put on masks to reduce the chance of spread of infection to caretakers.
Caretakers may also put on masks to reduce the chance of acquiring infection through the airways
For updated information and latest news on respiratory tract infections, please visit the special home page on the subject at www.info.gov.hk/info/infection-e.htm, and the HKSAR Department of Health website at www.info.gov.hk/dh/ap.htm as well as the e-bulletin at www.news.gov.hk/en/index.shtml.
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