Info-Station
Media Corner
Quit smoking helps to prevent influenza
25 May 2009
In view of the recent emergence of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) worldwide, a spokesman of the Department of Health (DH) urged members of the public to quit smoking, one of the best preventive measures against influenza.
"Research studies show a higher risk of influenza infections among smokers when compared with nonsmokers.
"Also, mortality rate of influenza among smokers is higher than that of nonsmokers," the spokesman said, adding that smoking cessation among smokers is essential in preventing influenza.
Adopting healthy lifestyles and maintaining good personal hygiene are also effective measures to prevent influenza, he added.
Starting May 27, DH will launch a series of smoking cessation roving exhibition in various districts to strengthen public awareness of harmful effect of smoking, and enhance their knowledge of smoking cessation.
Visitors to the roving exhibition will be able to acquire a better understanding of perils of smoking and secondhand smoke, proper ways to quit smoking as well as tips and available channels to quit smoking.
The most up-to-date information about drugs used for smoking cessation is also displayed at the exhibition.
Admission is free.
Details of the exhibitions are as follows: