CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 20) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza. The 2024/25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes will begin on September 26 and the CHP urged the public to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) to better protect themselves during the coming influenza season.
The case involves a 9-year-old boy with good past health. He developed a sore throat since September 17 and sought medical attention froma private doctor on the same day. He developed a fever, cough and shortness of breath on September 18 and was brought to Kwong Wah Hospital and was admitted on the same day. He is now at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of the hospital for treatment and is now in serious condition. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen was positive for influenza A (H1) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his home contacts is currently symptomatic. The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP said, "Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. SIV is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reducing influenza-related hospitalisation and death. SIV is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive SIV early. The 2024/25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes will begin on September 26. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, members of the public are advised to receive SIV early for protection against seasonal influenza. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on theCHP's website.
A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important to receive both SIV and COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, in particular for children and elderly persons residing in the community or residential care homes. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses, and note the following:
The public may visit the CHP'sinfluenza pageand weeklyCOVID-19 & Flu Expressfor more information.
