Keep Warm Keep Well

In cold weather, make sure you stay warm so that you will not suffer from flu or other health problems. Find out tips on how to keep warm and stay safe at home in winter.

Be prepared for winter

• Dress warmly. Wear a hat, gloves and socks but don’t wear too much as it hinders blood circulation.
• Eat foods with high calories such as rice and noodles. Have full meals with balanced ingredients every day.
• Avoid exposing yourself to the cold for too long.
• Maintain regular exercise to keep yourself warm.
• People suffering from chronic illnesses should pay more attention to their health.  They should seek medical attention if feeling unwell.

Prevention of Seasonal Influenza

Seasonal influenza is a common respiratory tract infection caused by human seasonal influenza viruses.  In Hong Kong, seasonal influenza is usually more common in periods from January to March and from July to August.  While you should maintain a healthy lifestyle to build up your immune system, you should also take the following precautions.

• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Wash hands promptly if they are contaminated by respiratory tract secretions.
• Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
• No spitting. Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose it properly in a lidded rubbish bin.
• Wear a mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop. Seek medical advice promptly.
• Refrain from work or school if symptoms of influenza develop.
• Maintain good ventilation of indoor areas.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

There is effective seasonal influenza vaccine to prevent influenza and its complications. The vaccination should be repeated every year to maintain protection, especially for high risk groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses and health care workers.

Stay Warm and Safe at Home

Most families have electric heaters or electric blankets at home to keep themselves warm in cold weather. Make sure they are safe and use them correctly.

• Do not place the electric heater in the doorway or the corridors.
• Keep the heater away from children or they may get burnt.
• Keep them clear of curtains, bed sheets, furniture or any combustible materials.
• Avoid using portable electric heater inside a bathroom.
• Do not use a wetted electric blanket.
• Do not use any electric blanket on infants, person incapable of self-care or insensitive to heat.

The Home Affairs Department will open temporary cold shelters to people taking refuge during cold spells.

Special Care for Infants

If you have a baby at home, do not overheat or overdress your baby in order to keep him/her warm, as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Besides, keep your baby’s face and head uncovered during sleep and keep the room well ventilated.