5yo boy developed severe pneumonia after contracting flu A

A 5-year-old boy with chronic illnesses in now in serious condition after coming down with influenza A and developing severe pneumonia.

The Centre for Health Protection says the boy began experiencing fever, cough and shortness of breath on Sunday.

Due to breathing difficulties, he was referred to the paediatric intensive care unit at Queen Mary Hospital.

The boy did not travel during the incubation period but a household contact had recently developed mild upper respiratory symptoms.

Authorities say influenza activity continued to rise from July to mid-August.

It is expected that flu will remain active as the school year begins and schools may experience outbreaks.

Authorities remind the seasonal flu vaccination programme will begin on September 17th.