HK enters peak flu season with 46 fatalities within a week

A total of 65 severe flu cases that require intensive care were reported from January 19 to 25, including 46 fatalities, according to the Centre for Health Protection, with 10 more adult influenza deaths reported within the first two days of this week.

That marks 88 flu-related deaths since the beginning of the flu season, the highest figure in the last five seasons.

Additionally, there were eight severe flu cases among children in this period, with seven occurring between January 26 and 29. The patients suffered from complications such as sepsis and shock, but no fatalities were reported. Only two of the affected children had been vaccinated against influenza viruses.  

The severe flu cases primarily involved the influenza A (H1) virus.

The reported rate of flu cases in general outpatient clinics has risen to 10.7 cases per 1,000 consultations, up from 9.9 the previous week.

Similarly, private clinics also saw an increase, reporting 46.7 cases per 1,000 consultations, up from 43.8 cases the week before.