The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) pneumonia that broke out
not long ago in Hong Kong has not yet been found in Beijing, as was
learned from the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
To prevent respiratory diseases in the autumn and winter, experts
suggest one should keep warm, drink more water and take vitamin
C.
119 people infected in Hong Kong
When Hong Kong is fully braced up for the possible return of
SARS and a predicated upcoming flu peak, RSV pneumonia, a
respiratory disease similar with SARS and flu in infection style
and early-stage symptoms, broke out in five senior people's homes
and two infant centers, affecting altogether 119 people in the past
two months, said a local health resource. Among the 44 senior
people infected, 2 with chronic conditions died. But it is not
clear weather their death is directly linked with RSV.
RSV spread through respiratory secretions
RSV pneumonia is commonly seen in infants and children under 1
year of age, according to a doctor of the said Center, and two
third patients are likely to suffer 1-4 day high fever, and breath
difficulties appear in those severely affected. RSV is spread from
respiratory secretions through close contact with infected persons
or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Infection can
occur when infectious material contacts mucous membranes of the
eyes, mouth, or nose, and possibly through the inhalation of
droplets generated by a sneeze or cough.
Experts suggest keeping hands clean
Statistics show that in Beijing 48 percent viral pneumonia and
58 percent bronchiolitis are caused by syncytial virus, which
mainly happen in winter and spring, with symptoms almost
undistinguishable with pneumonia caused by para-influenza virus or
light influenza virus, so diagnosis chiefly depends on virologic
and serum tests. Attention should be paid to regular treatment and
isolation, experts suggested, and not so much treatment of symptoms
and supportive treatment are needed since the disease is generally
not serious. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics is not
encouraged.
Experts also warned that the "recipe" of actively preventing
respiratory disease in winter is keeping warm, drinking more water
and taking in more vitamin C. Meanwhile residents should take care
of the environmental and personal hygiene, keep hands clean by
washing them in the right way. When sneeze or cough, one should
cover his mouth and nose by hands, dispose the droplets properly,
and then wash his hands. Food utensils should be disinfected after
being used, so as to reduce the chances of transmission.
(Xinhua News Agency?October 24, 2003)