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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 18) appealed to the public to stay vigilant against seasonal influenza as the latest surveillance data showed a continual increase in local influenza activity, an indicator of the impending arrival of the summer influenza season.
The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP recently recorded an increase in influenza virus detections, from 86 (4.5 per cent of respiratory specimens tested) in the week ending May 17 to 272 (12.5 per cent) in the week ending June 14. The major circulating influenza viruses for the past week were influenza A(H3N2) (70.2 per cent among positive influenza detections), influenza B (23.2 per cent), influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 (4.4 per cent) and influenza C (2.2 per cent).
"The viruses characterised to date have been similar to the local influenza vaccine viruses recommended for this season," a spokesman for the CHP said.
To further monitor local influenza activity and the severity of illness, as in previous influenza seasons, the CHP will collaborate with public hospitals under the Hospital Authority and private hospitals to reactivate next week the enhanced surveillance of influenza-associated admissions to Intensive Care Units and deaths aged 18 years or above.
At the same time, the CHP will continue its routine surveillance of severe paediatric influenza-associated complications or deaths aged above one month and below 18 years. As of today, 24 cases (including three deaths in the winter season) were reported this year, while 13 cases (no deaths) and 17 cases (two deaths) were filed in 2013 and 2012 respectively.
"We will closely monitor overseas and local influenza activities as the summer influenza season approaches," the spokesman said.
Given that influenza vaccine is safe and effective, and that serious influenza infections can occur even in healthy individuals, a seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged six months or above, except those with known contraindications.
As influenza can cause serious complications in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, young children and persons with underlying illnesses, target groups for influenza vaccination and members of the public are strongly advised to be vaccinated as the protective immune response takes about two to four weeks to develop.
As of June 15, about 242 000 and 241 000 doses of seasonal influenza vaccines have been administered to target groups respectively under the Government Vaccination Programme and the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme 2013/14.
"We call on the healthcare sector and community at large for joint efforts to improve the local influenza vaccination coverage. Members of the public should consult their family doctors on vaccination for personal protection," the spokesman said.
Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive measures against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
* 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 ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
* Wear surgical masks and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms of respiratory tract infections or fever develop.
The public may visit the CHP's influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html) for more information on influenza and its prevention.
Ends/Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:09
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