A rebound last week of influenza activity has prompted the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) to again urge the public to receive seasonal influenza vaccinations.
"The CHP's latest surveillance data shows that the
percentage of respiratory specimens tested positive for seasonal influenza
viruses last week (February 15 to 21) was 2.29 per cent, up from 1.96 per cent
recorded in the previous week,” CHP Controller Dr Edwin Tsui said.
“During the same period, the influenza admission rate in
public hospitals was 0.13 cases per 10,000 population, which is higher than the
0.10 cases per 10 000 population recorded in the previous week,” he added.
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The proportion of influenza B among positive respiratory
specimens has gradually increased from around 6 per cent in late January to
over 21 per cent last week. Meanwhile, the proportion of influenza A (H3) virus
strains has decreased from 91 to 71 per cent.
“Outside Hong Kong, seasonal influenza activity remains high
in Japan and Korea, with the predominant circulating viruses having shifted
from influenza A (H3) to influenza B. Japan is experiencing another winter peak
driven by influenza B. Influenza B proportions have also increased in many
parts of the world recently, including the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan and North
America," Dr, Tsui, said.
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He said that based on past experience, Hong Kong's winter influenza season typically occurs in the first quarter. ‘Given the persistently cold weather, combined with factors such as individuals returning from outbound travel after the long holidays and the shift in circulating virus strains, it cannot be ruled out that influenza activity will continue to increase and Hong Kong may enter the winter influenza season.” he said.
The CHP will continue to monitor the situation.
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Scientific research indicates that this season's seasonal influenza
vaccine provides protection against influenza A and influenza B viruses.
“As it takes about two weeks after vaccination for
antibodies to develop in the body for sufficient protection against the virus,
I appeal again to all individuals aged 6 months or older, except those with
known contraindications, to receive the SIV if they have not yet done so,” Dr.
Tsui said.
