The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health on Thursday announced the end of the summer influenza season, while reminding that the winter influenza season will arrive late this year to early 2024.
The center said the weekly number of reported influenza-like illness outbreaks decreased from 91 in the week ending September 23 to 23 in the week ending October 28. For severe or death cases, there were 51 severe influenza cases - including death cases - in the week ending September 30, while the figure for the week ending October 28 was lowered to 28.
The surveillance data indicated the end of the influenza season which started in late August this year, said the center.
“Although the 10-week long summer influenza season has ended, the spokesman reminded members of the public that, based on historical data, influenza season usually arrives in the winter months - late 2023 to early 2024.
“All persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, are recommended to receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection,” a center spokesman said.
Meanwhile, members of the public were reminded that as influenza viruses and the coronavirus may both spread at the same time, getting influenza and Covid-19 vaccination is of vital importance in protecting the healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
Symptomatic individuals, even if the symptoms are mild, were also urged to wear surgical masks and seek medical attention promptly to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to high-risk persons. Personal, hand and environmental hygiene should also be maintained at all times, the center added.
