Wang Yuanyuan

    cheekywang@hotmail.com

    THE city’s center for disease control and prevention (CDC) has suggested residents get influenza vaccines ahead of an expected flu outbreak.

    The city’s community clinics provide domestic and imported vaccines and they cost about 40 yuan (US$6.42) and 80 yuan respectively.

    The CDC said that Shenzhen faces a flu outbreak every February and March and the vaccines can produce antibody against the flu virus after being inoculated for one month, so now is the best time to get vaccinated.

    “For most people, the vaccines stay effective for one year. So anybody who was vaccinated this time last year will need to get vaccinated again,” said Xie Xu, director of the CDC’s infectious disease control department.

    Xie said senior residents, children and patients suffering from chronic heart, kidney and lung diseases should get flu vaccine once a year to prevent flu and other complications.

    At present, the number of flu cases reported in the city is stable, but some major public hospitals expect a slight increase in flu patients this week due to the sharp decrease in the temperature.

    “At present, no more than 20 patients are admitted to our hospital with high temperatures every day. During peak time, at least 100 patients with flu register at the hospital every day,” said Li Yongzhen, director of the fever clinic of emergency department of Shenzhen No. 1 People’s Hospital.

    The CDC suggested residents, particularly the elderly and children, keep themselves warm and keep their homes well ventilated. Children and the elderly are also discouraged from going into crowded areas, particularly during holidays.

    Schools have also been told to take measures on flu prevention.

    As the number of flu cases reported in Hong Kong has increased sharply in recent days, the CDC suggested residents keep good sanitary habits and wash their hands frequently when traveling to Hong Kong.