Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health earlier announced a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection in an 11-month-old boy. The boy was hospitalised for over two weeks and unfortunately passed away today (November 13) due to complications. The CHP reiterated its appeal to schools and parents to arrange for schoolchildren to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. Vaccination also reduces the risk of serious illness or death from infection.
“The boy had underlying illness. This is the second fatal case of paediatric influenza infection. Including this case, nine cases have been recorded since the launch of this year’s SIV Programmes in September, with only one having received this year’s SIV prior to the onset of illness. To avoid recurrence of such tragedies, I urge all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, who have not yet received the SIV to do so promptly, especially high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and adults with underlying illnesses and immunosuppression. Apart from receiving the SIV through various programmes launched by the Government, members of the public may also contact their family doctors to arrange vaccinations,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
“Although, according to the latest surveillance data, influenza activity began to decline in the last week of October, it still remains at a relatively high level. As the weather turns cooler, influenza activity may still fluctuate. Based on past experience, Hong Kong’s winter influenza season typically occurs between January and March. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that a winter influenza season may occur early next year. I urge parents to arrange SIV for their children as soon as possible, and hope all sectors of society could join hands in educating parents on the importance of vaccination. This will promote a greater vaccine uptake among young children, increase the vaccination coverage rate, and strengthen protection for children,” Dr Tsui added.
He emphasised that although a genetically mutated influenza A (H3N2) virus strain has recently emerged in Hong Kong and many other regions, the currently used SIV remains effective against this antigenically drifted strain, as well as other influenza A and influenza B viruses. Therefore, the SIV is still one of the most effective methods to prevent influenza and its complications and can reduce the risk of serious complications or death from infection.
Members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, should seek medical advice promptly if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms for early treatment. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children’s condition. They should go to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates, for example, if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
Separately, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.
For the latest information on seasonal influenza, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.