Public urged to get jabs amid 'wave' of flu cases
Hong Kong health officials are urging the public to get flu vaccinations as influenza cases show a wave-like increase since June. Schools are participating in an outreach program at record rates to mitigate the risk of severe complications.
Why it matters
Public health campaigns are essential for managing seasonal outbreaks and preventing hospital system strain, particularly among vulnerable pediatric populations.
Public urged to get jabs amid 'wave' of flu cases - RTHK
Public urged to get jabs amid 'wave' of flu cases
Director of Health Ronald Lam urged the public to get inoculated against the flu on Saturday, saying influenza infections have been exhibiting a "wave-like pattern" increase since June.
Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, he said influenza A remains the primary virus type, with the dominant strain, H1, accounting for around 80 percent of infections and the H3 strain making up nearly 20 percent.
Influenza B virus infections made up the rest.
Lam said influenza infections were still high last week, with the rate of people seeking assistance at public hospitals surging to 0.83 per 10,000 patients, compared to 0.27 a year ago.
Of the 19 cases of severe paediatric influenza infections this summer, half were aged five or below and three were not vaccinated.
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