The number of daily new severe influenza cases has steadied in the past two weeks to average about nine.
Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung told a press conference today the public should heighten vigilance against infection and get vaccinated early.
He said the Government is monitoring the situation as the coming two weeks are critical.
From noon yesterday to noon today, nine additional severe influenza cases, including seven deaths, were reported.
An additional death was recorded among previously reported cases, bringing the total severe cases to 207, including 134 deaths so far.
Noting people are comparing this seasonal influenza to SARS, Dr Leung said they are two different diseases.
He said the death rate of SARS is much higher than that of influenza. There are vaccinations and antiviral drugs for influenza but none for SARS.
