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)