Kathmandu, Nepal - As colder weather approaches, the World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging individuals and families to strengthen everyday hygiene practices and prepare essential household health supplies to reduce the risk of seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections.
Through its public-health awareness message, “Staying Healthy This Winter,” WHO Nepal highlights the importance of keeping basic health and hygiene materials readily available at home to protect individuals, families and vulnerable community members during the winter season.
The awareness poster identifies eight essential items that households should consider keeping within easy reach:
- Hand soap: Regular handwashing with soap and clean water helps remove germs and reduce the transmission of infections.
- Hand sanitizer: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer provides a convenient alternative when soap and water are not readily available.
- Face masks: Masks can help reduce the spread of respiratory infections, particularly when someone is experiencing symptoms or is in crowded settings.
- Paracetamol: A commonly used medicine for relieving fever and pain when taken according to appropriate medical guidance.
- Thermometer: Helps monitor body temperature and identify fever, supporting timely health decisions.
- Tissues: Useful for covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing. Used tissues should be disposed of properly.
- A covered waste bin: Helps ensure hygienic disposal of used tissues and other household waste.
- Important health contact numbers: Keep the contact details of a family doctor, nearby health facilities and national health helplines accessible for emergencies and medical advice.
Prevention remains the first line of defence
Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Common symptoms include sudden fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and a runny or blocked nose.
According to WHO, influenza can cause serious complications, particularly among young children, older people, pregnant women, healthcare workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
Beyond maintaining essential household supplies, WHO recommends annual influenza vaccination, particularly for people at higher risk of severe illness. Other important preventive measures include washing hands regularly, improving indoor ventilation, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and staying home when experiencing flu symptoms, where possible.
People who are ill should cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, dispose of used tissues safely and consider wearing a mask when they need to be around others.
Protecting vulnerable family members
Children, senior citizens, pregnant women and people living with chronic health conditions require particular attention during periods of increased respiratory infections.
Families should avoid self-medicating unnecessarily. Paracetamol can help relieve fever and pain, but it does not prevent influenza or cure the underlying viral infection. Medicines should be taken according to medical advice or appropriate instructions, particularly for children.
People experiencing breathing difficulties, chest pain, persistent or worsening symptoms, or other signs of serious illness should seek prompt medical attention. Those at higher risk should consult healthcare professionals early, as timely treatment can help prevent complications.
A shared responsibility for healthier communities
Winter health protection is not simply an individual responsibility; it is also a matter of community awareness, preparedness and collective action.
Schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities and local communities can contribute by promoting hand hygiene, maintaining clean and well-ventilated indoor spaces, encouraging responsible health practices and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to timely healthcare services.
As winter approaches, keeping essential health supplies at home and adopting simple preventive habits can make a meaningful difference in protecting families and communities.
The message is simple: prevention begins at home, and small everyday actions can help build healthier and safer communities.
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