The Ministry of Transport expects that about 9 billion passenger trips will be made during this Spring Festival travel rush, which is likely to reach a record high. The Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Guangdong CDC) has recently released health tips for the Spring Festival travel rush, suggesting that residents get flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines containing the antibody of the XBB subvariants.
A train pulls into the Hohhot Railway Station in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Jan. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)
The Guangdong CDC reminds residents that before traveling, it is necessary to pay close attention to the epidemic situation of infectious diseases at the destination and information issued by relevant departments, get personal protective equipment ready, and make reasonable travel arrangements. If there is a fever, cough, or other related symptoms, it is recommended to postpone travel.
While traveling and staying at home, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterward.
When taking public transportation and going to crowded places such as medical institutions, medical masks should be worn properly to reduce the risks of exposure and morbidity. When symptoms including fever, cough, and sore throat occur, avoid contact with other family members, take protective measures, and seek medical attention promptly.
Currently, influenza is still in its epidemic phase. According to the Guangdong CDC, annual influenza vaccination is the most effective means to prevent it. It is recommended that people aged six months and above who have no contraindications should be vaccinated. In particular, high-risk groups should be vaccinated in a timely manner, including health workers, elderly people aged 60 years and above, people with one or more chronic diseases, pregnant women, and children aged between 6 and 59 months, as this can significantly reduce the risk of developing serious complications.
In addition, the Guangdong CDC recommends that eligible people, especially those aged over 60, receive the COVID-19 vaccines containing the antibody of the XBB subvariants as soon as possible.
Author | Hannah, Huang Chen (intern)
Editor | Steven, Monica, James
