Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man urges people to stay vigilant against influenza, and to quickly seek medical treatment when feeling ill.
Speaking to the media today, Dr Ko said there have been more than 110 flu-related deaths among intensive care unit patients. Although the overall death rate is lower than 1%, the rate among serious patients is at 3.5%, while the rate for ICU admissions is higher than 50%.
As antiviral drugs like Tamiflu are most effective when taken within 24 to 48 hours upon infection, Dr Ko urged people to seek early medical treatment.
He urged high-risk people, including the elderly, children and chronic disease patients, to wear facemasks in crowded areas and ensure good hand hygiene.
He said the Hospital Authority has also stocked new injection-based influenza medicines like Peramivir.
