Hong Kong health authorities record 122 flu deaths in 4 weeks, urge residents to get vaccinated
Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has urged the public to get flu jabs as it recorded 122 related deaths in the first four weeks of the influenza season which began in early January.
During the period concerned, the CHP recorded 199 adult intensive care unit admissions, including 122 flu-related deaths, it said in a statement on Monday.
More than 70 per cent of the severe or death cases were not vaccinated, while 90 per cent of those who died were aged 65 or above, according to the CHP.
In addition, there were nine cases of severe paediatric influenza-associated complications, including seven unvaccinated cases.
“With reference to previous surveillance data, virus activity will continue to increase for a period of time after the start of the influenza season before peaking,” said Edwin Tsui, controller of the CHP. “Currently available data indicate that the influenza activity level is still on the rise.”
High flu activity
The influenza activity in mainland China, Japan, Korea, Europe, and North America remains at a high level, Tsui said, urging travellers to pay attention to the flu situation at their destinations before departing.
They should also take appropriate personal protective measures, including getting vaccinated as soon as possible and consider wearing a surgical mask when staying in crowded places, he said.
“All persons aged above six months… particularly the elderly and children who have a higher risk of becoming infected with influenza and developing complications, should act immediately to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection,” Tsui said.
The CHP announcement came as the media reported on Monday that Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu had died after developing pneumonia from influenza complications.
As of Sunday, more than 1.9 million doses of flu vaccine have been administered under various vaccination programmes in Hong Kong, a 6.4 per cent increase compared with last year.
According to the CHP, the number of schools participating in the CHP’s flu vaccination programmes has risen this year, with 98 per cent for kindergartens and child care centres, primary schools, and secondary schools taking part.
In comparison, 80 per cent of kindergartens and child care centres, 95 per cent of primary schools, and 70 per cent of secondary schools participated last year.
The CHP said the flu vaccination rate among younger children, aged six months to two years old, remained at around 21 per cent this year.
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