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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 13) called on the public to maintain vigilance against seasonal influenza as the latest surveillance data showed that local influenza activity remained at a high level.
The weekly number of influenza detections at the Public Health Laboratory Centre remained high in the past four weeks (week ending March 17 to week ending April 7), ranging from 460 to 579. While there was a decrease in the number of influenza B detections, the number of influenza A (H3N2) detections showed a rising trend. The weekly number of influenza B detections decreased from 339 in the week ending March 17 to 173 in the week ending April 7, whereas the weekly number of influenza A (H3N2) detections increased from 117 to 316 for the same period.
In the week ending April 7, circulating influenza viruses were mainly the influenza A (H3N2) virus (64.4 per cent), followed by the influenza B (35.2 per cent) and influenza A (H1N1) 2009 (0.4 per cent) viruses.
From January 13 to noon on April 12, there were 115 cases (including 66 deaths) with ICU admissions or deaths with laboratory-confirmed influenza. During the similar period in the winter influenza season in 2011, the number was 123 cases (including 34 deaths).
Influenza can cause medical complications, especially among vulnerable people such as the elderly, young children and those with chronic medical conditions. Influenza vaccination offers the best protection against influenza-related complications in these groups.
The public are reminded to take the following measures to prevent respiratory tract infection:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
Members of the public, particularly young children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
Ends/Friday, April 13, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:52
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