Local doctors in Shanghai say there are no signs that a deadly flu that has been sweeping across the United States has spread to the city.

But they are warning people, especially children and the elderly, to dress warmly, eat well and exercise to prevent catching a cold or the flu during the winter.

A widespread flu has hit 24 states in the US so far this year, killing 23 children in the country and creating shortages of vaccines for the disease. Each year about 36,000 people die of the flu in the United States, while the figure is expected to pass 60,000 this year, according to US media reports.

"There has been an increasing number of cold and flu patients in Shanghai every day recently due to dropping temperatures during the winter. However, we haven't seen any sign of an outbreak so far," said Song Guofan, a spokesman for the Shanghai Health Bureau.

At the Shanghai Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, the outpatient department has received some 150 patients every day recently, most of whom suffered from flu, fever and cold-like symptoms. That's a 20 percent increase from recent months.

The local Disease Prevention and Control Center is keeping a close eye on the disease while paying more attention to the vulnerable sections of the population like senior citizens, children and medical workers.

He added the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome last spring has made people pay more attention to colds and the flu.

Medical experts suggest anyone worried about the disease should get vaccinated.

"Weak people and those likely to be infected can receive the vaccine as a prevention," Song said.

"I took my son to receive the vaccine injection last month. Since kindergarten is a public place and it is likely to spread flu among children," said Zhang Fang, a local office worker.

Doctors said the elderly and children should avoid frequenting public places during the winter and should stick to a healthy diet, including foods like chicken soup, fruits and vegetables.

"Do not always stay in heated rooms. Keep rooms ventilated and do more physical exercises - that is how you prevent the flu," said Dr Yang Guocheng.

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