Press Release

Cold weather precautions urged

18 February 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (February 18) reminded members of the public, particularly the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt appropriate measures against infections in view of the expected further drop in temperature in the coming days.

A spokesman for the CHP said, "Cold weather can easily trigger diseases, especially among the elderly and persons suffering from heart disease, respiratory illness or chronic illnesses.

"The elderly have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm, and their body temperature control mechanism may be weaker. Their body may not be able to appropriately respond to the cold weather."

The spokesman added, "Some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which in turn slows down the ability of generation and conservation of body heat. Chronic illnesses including hypertension, diabetes and endocrine disorders not only undermine the health of the elderly, but may also lower their metabolic rate and subsequently cause their body to generate less heat."

The CHP reminded the public, the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses in particular, to adopt the following preventive measures:

• Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing appropriately, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks according to the temperature;
• Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake;
• Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;
• Stay in a warm environment and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure;
• Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation; and
• Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.

In addition, the public should avoid alcoholic beverages.

"Drinking alcohol cannot keep you warm. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate and the body would lose heat," the spokesman explained.

"It is important to keep babies lightly clothed so as not to restrict their movement," the spokesman advised.

Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:

• Always place babies on their back to sleep. Babies usually sleep well without a pillow;
• Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects and loose bedding;
• Leave their face and arms uncovered during sleep; and
• Let babies sleep in a cot placed in the parents' room and near their bed.

Members of the public are advised to take heed of the following advice to avoid influenza and upper respiratory tract infections:

• Maintain adequate rest, a balanced diet and regular exercise, and avoid stress and do not smoke;
• Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
• Ensure good ventilation;
• Wear a face mask in the event of influenza-like symptoms, while taking care of patients and when visiting hospitals or clinics;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper in a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands immediately afterwards;
• Seek medical advice once feeling unwell and stay at home; and
• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination which is suitable for all persons except those with known contraindications.

Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hot pot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:

• Wash hands before handling and consuming food;
• Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;
• Buy fresh seafood with intact shells and without strange odour;
• Wash and cook all food thoroughly;
• Wash vegetables thoroughly and soak them in clean water for a period of time if possible to wash away pesticides;
• Handle seafood with extra care. Do not eat prawns when they have just turned red. Cook for five more minutes before eating. Avoid eating the heads of prawns;
• Remove outer shells of seafood and cook the seafood in boiling water for a relatively long period of time to ensure it is thoroughly cooked;
• Avoid sprinkling food with raw spring onions;
• Store washed and prepared food under refrigeration below 4 degrees Celsius. Eat the food as soon as possible after cooking;
• Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hot pot; and
• Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

For more health information, the public may call the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) or visit the website of the Central Health Education Unit (This link will open in a new windowwww.cheu.gov.hk).

The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory (This link will open in a new windowwww.hko.gov.hk) for the latest weather information and forecast.