Investigation into severe pediatric influenza a raises concerns
âThe Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 28) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza. The CHP appealed to members of the public to receive seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) in a timely manner to better protect themselves during the influenza season.
The case involves a 3-year-old girl with good past health. She developed a fever since yesterday (April 27). She was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the same day for medical attention and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit. Her respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A (H1) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with encephalopathy. She is now in serious condition.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had not received SIV for this season and had no travel history during the incubation period. One of her home contacts developed relevant symptoms recently and has recovered. 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. 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 the CHP'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's COVID-19 & Flu Express for more information.
Source: AI-generated images
