Influenza cases have been on the rise recently, as the weekly number of flu detections rose to 71 last week from 19 in the first week of January, the Centre for Health Protection says.

In the past four weeks, about 87% of positive samples were influenza A, mostly H3N2, while the rest were influenza B.

Although the consultation rates for flu-like illness at doctors' offices that are part of a sentinel network remains at baseline level, the peak season for flu is approaching.

Those at high-risk - including the young and seniors -should get flu vaccinations early. It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop after getting a vaccination, so timely jabs for the high-risk groups can ensure they acquire adequate protection against flu-related complications in case of infection.

Those who are covered by the Government Influenza Vaccination Programme but have not received the vaccines are advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible. About 250,000 target clients have received flu jabs since the programme started on November 6.

Details about the Government Influenza Vaccination Programme are available here. For more health tips, click here.