Experts from the Chinese Health Ministry are calling on the
public to inoculate themselves against the flu in order to help
prevent a return of the SARS virus this winter and next spring. As
both flu and SARS have similar symptoms and can be easily confused,
people are hoping the vaccine will distinguish sufferers of the flu
from those of SARS.
Influenza is a respiratory infection that produces fever,
chills, muscle aches and coughing, which symptoms are all similar
to those of SARS. Flu shots are effective at preventing the disease
in infants, students, medical personnel, and people with
60-years-old or above and therefore more vulnerable to the disease.
Experts say the best time to take the vaccine is between September
and November.
He Xiong, deputy director of Beijing Disease Prevention and
Control Center, said, "The anti-flu vaccine will help prevent cross
infection between suspected SARS cases and influenza patients. And
there are rows of people waiting in outpatient departments and
emergency centers. "
In Beijing, anyone who wants a flu shot will be able to get one
in 427 inoculation centers. Over 1 million flu vaccines have been
imported to Beijing this year, 4 times the number last year. The
call from the ministry came as some areas in China already began
preparing prevention measures against SARS for the coming winter
and spring seasons.
(CCTV.com September 18, 2003)