Shanghai Daily news

The Shanghai Health Bureau yesterday warned residents with a consistent cough they should get a physical to ensure they don't have an infectious respiratory disease such as SARS, bird flu and influenza.

The bureau said such diseases are most prevalent from November 15 to April 15. Local schools and medical facilities are supposed to report to district-level disease prevention and control centers if there is a sudden breakout of fevers for uncertain reasons. The bureau said it has launched a citywide vaccination campaign this month, mainly targeting the elderly, those with chronic illnesses and health care workers.