As temperatures plummet, the city enters a high-incidence period of respiratory infectious diseases.

The flu usually enters its peak season in late October and continues to remain prevalent into winter and spring, during time which other respiratory diseases might also surface.

How can we cope with this situation and ensure that we and our family members can enjoy this period with minimum risk of being infected?

You may keep these tips in mind.

I. Try to avoid crowded places 

Crowded public places, especially poorly ventilated enclosed spaces, are hotspots for the spread of respiratory diseases. Attention should be paid to places such as:

(1) Schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, and welfare institutions.

(2) Crowded public transportation such as subways, buses, and airplanes.

(3) Medical facilities like hospitals and clinics.

(4) Public places like theaters, cinemas, restaurants, and large events such as concerts and sports venues.

II. Maintain personal hygiene

During the high-incidence period of respiratory diseases, it is essential to build personal hygiene habits.

(1) Wash hands frequently and practice good hand hygiene using soap (or hand sanitizer) under running water.

(2) Cover the mouth and nose with tissues, towels, or the elbow of clothing when coughing or sneezing.

(3) Avoid habitually touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with hands.

(4) Avoid close contact with patients and correctly wear masks in public places.

(5) When outdoor temperatures permit, ventilation by opening windows is recommended to ensure fresh indoor air.

III. Timely vaccination

Getting vaccinated against the flu is an effective measure to prevent the flu, reduce severe cases, and prevent death related to the flu. 

For vaccines targeting respiratory diseases such as influenza and COVID-19, it is recommended that high-risk populations get vaccinated promptly to reduce the risk of infection or the severity of the disease after infection. 

Individuals aged 65 and above who have not already been vaccinated against pneumonia, should get vaccinated as soon as possible. If previously vaccinated, re-vaccination can be considered after a five-year interval.

Friendly reminder:

Free flu vaccinations for individuals aged 60 and above have been extended until December 15, 2023, according to the Ronghua Community Health Service Center.

The vaccination is available for residents aged 60 and above who have local residency ID cards or medical insurance cards (born before Dec 31, 1963).

Experts from the Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control urge citizens, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, to receive vaccinations.

The Ronghua Community Health Service Center would like to remind residents looking to receive the free influenza vaccination to ensure that their bodies are in a healthy condition at the time of vaccination and that they have not received any other vaccines within the last 14 days. 

Vaccination hours are on Fridays from 8:30 to 11:00 and 13:30 to 16:00, excluding statutory holidays. 

The vaccination location is the Health Care Department on the first floor of the Ronghua Community Health Service Center. Contact number: 67888665.