Flu season may be longer

June 18, 2012

A genetic change of virus may lengthen this year's peak flu season. Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Thomas Tsang issued the warning today, saying the flu pattern this year is unusual.
 
Local influenza activity remained high from January to June. From the last week of May to the first week of June there were 1,100 flu cases.
 
The number of influenza detections dropped to about 600 last week, but is still high compared with the average of 100 cases per week in recent years.
 
He said the flu strain this year has changed slightly in genetic make up.
 
More than 170 people have died of influenza since January, 90% of them being elderly, Dr Tsang said, urging the public and institutions to be alert as the school holidays approach.
 
About 30 enterovirus infections are being reported in childcare centres every week, he added, including seven serious cases.