CityNews – Health authorities have urged people to take precautions against infectious diseases as the cold season approaches.
Waiting rooms are often full during the cold season. CityNews stock photo.
Many people suffer from influenza and pneumonia at this time of year, and the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office has been vaccinating at-risk people against the flu virus.
Dr Paisarn Thanyawinitchakul, the head of the office, said residents were also at risk of other infectious illnesses, such as hand-foot-and-mouth disease or diarrhoea in children, during the cold season.
He said some people might not take care of their health so well at this time of the year – for example, by not washing as often. He suggested that people – especially the elderly, children and those who have chronic diseases – keep warm, exercise regularly, take enough rest, drink a lot of water, keep clean, eat enough food and wear warm clothes.
Those who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and asthma should have regular check-ups, control their weight and take medicine as instructed by their doctors.
Those buying secondhand overcoats should clean them and leave them in the hot sunlight to kill any diseases before wearing them, added Dr Paisarn.
Dr Surasing Wisarutrattana, deputy chief of the provincial public health office, has also urged those going camping – a popular activity at this time of year – to be careful. Those visiting national parks should beware of animals such as snakes, spiders and scorpions, he said, as well as ticks, lice and moina, which are sometimes known as water fleas.