How to stay away from respiratory diseases in winter? How to prevent Norovirus infection?

How can the elderly and young children stay away from respiratory diseases in winter?

△Peng Zhibin, researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Children's immune systems are not yet fully developed, and the immune function of the elderly is relatively weak. On the basis of maintaining good personal hygiene habits and a clean and hygienic environment, it is recommended to focus on strengthening the following protective measures:

First, start vaccination as soon as possible. Vaccination can reduce infection and reduce the risk of severe illness.

Second, during the season when respiratory infectious diseases are prevalent, the elderly and young children should try to avoid going to places with dense crowds and closed environments. If they must go, it is recommended to wear masks scientifically.

Third, strengthen daily health monitoring of the elderly and young children. If fever or cough symptoms occur, seek medical attention in a timely manner. If a family member has a respiratory infectious disease, try to avoid close contact, especially contact with the elderly and young children at home. When parents take their children with fever, cough and other symptoms to the doctor, they should protect the health of the children and themselves to avoid cross infection.

How to prevent norovirus infection?

Norovirus acute gastroenteritis can occur throughout the year, with a higher incidence in autumn and winter. It is recommended that you do the following:

First, pay attention to hand hygiene. Before meals, after defecation, or before processing food, you must wash your hands in the correct way with soap and running water. Disinfectant wipes and hand-free disinfectants cannot replace hand washing.

Second, pay attention to food and drinking water safety. When processing food, keep raw and cooked food separate. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly, and cook food thoroughly, especially shellfish and seafood. Do not drink raw water.

The third is to reduce contact. Patients with norovirus acute gastroenteritis should try to avoid contact with others during the period of symptoms and 2 to 3 days after the symptoms disappear, because they are still contagious at this time. During the illness and 2 to 3 days after the symptoms disappear, avoid preparing food for others and avoid engaging in care work.

Fourth, disinfection should be done well. When vomiting occurs, the crowd should be evacuated as soon as possible, ventilation should be done well, and chlorine-containing disinfectants should be used to disinfect the contaminated environment and objects in a standardized manner.

Fifth, enhance your own resistance. Maintain a regular schedule, eat a balanced diet, and exercise moderately to improve your body's resistance and reduce infection.

Source: National Health Commission Press Conference, Healthy China