People should take precautionary measures against influenza after a rise in consultation rates for flu-like illnesses was detected last month.

The flu-like illness rate per 1,000 consultations was 2.4 in general out-patient clinics and 38.8 in private clinics for the week ending June 28, as compared with 1 and 22.9 for the week ending June 7.

The Department of Health said while these figures are lower than the corresponding figures in 2002, we should be vigilant as influenza cases usually rise in July and August.

Flu prevention measures

To prevent the flu, it is important to:

* build up good bodily immunity by having a balanced diet, adequate exercise and rest;

* maintain good ventilation;

* avoid crowded places;

* observe good personal hygiene and wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose; and,

* avoid smoking.

The young, the elderly and those with chronic diseases should seek medical advice promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.

Conjunctivitis another concern

Meanwhile, the department further reminds people to guard against acute conjunctivitis (red-eye syndrome) as an upsurge was detected in August and September last year.

To prevent acute conjunctivitis:

* practice good personal hygiene, especially hand-washing before and after touching the eyes;

* minimise hand-to-eye contact;

* avoid sharing towels and toilet articles;

* aoid sharing eye droppers, eye medicines, eye make-up and other items that may come into contact with the eyes; and,

* properly dispose of articles soiled with eye or respiratory secretions of patients to prevent transmission of infection.

People who have acute conjunctivitis should seek treatment from a doctor and should not go swimming to avoid spreading the infection to other people.