Flu activity remains high as H1N1 dominates

Director of Health Ronald Lam warns flu activity has reached a high level since the city entered the flu season in July with influenza A's subtype H1N1 currently the dominant strain.

Lab surveillance shows 13% of respiratory specimens tested positive for flu, slightly higher than the 12% logged last year.

There has also been a significant rise in the number of people seeking medical attention or hospital treatment for flu.

Lam says so far, there is no evidence of genetic mutations or drug resistance of the virus strains but he notes that at least 19 children have developed serious complications from flu with one fatality recorded.

Lam says the most worrying trend is among children aged between zero and five.

As the new seasonal influenza vaccination programme will begin on Thursday, authorities are stepping up publicity for flu vaccination, while more than 99% of schools have already joined the outreach vaccination programme.