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Hong Kong Braces For Back-To-School Flu Surge

 

 

 

# 4838

 

 

Although this report is from Hong Kong, the same concerns are likely to emerge in other parts of the northern hemisphere as students return to school for the fall session.

 

Not only do we have the remnants of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus still in circulation - we’re seeing reports in some parts of the world of a resurgence of H3N2 – a new strain to which community immunity may be low.

 

Trying to predict how the upcoming flu season will play out usually only serves to underscore the total unpredictability of the virus and our longstanding inability to prognosticate such events.

 

So I’ll not even bother.  

 

What I will say is this year’s trivalent seasonal flu vaccine contains antigens for the former pandemic H1N1 virus, the newly emerging H3N2 Perth virus, along with a B influenza virus. 

 

Which makes it your best bet for reducing your odds of getting the flu this year.   

 

But of course, that only works if you get the shot before you are exposed (keeping in mind it takes a couple of weeks to build immunity).

 

This report from news.gov.hk.

 

 

August 27, 2010

Public Health

Flu outbreaks in new school term expected

Centre for Health Protection

Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Thomas Tsang warns a significant number of flu outbreaks are expected when the new school term begins next week, and the public should also stay vigilant against any possible outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease later this year.

 

Dr Tsang told the media today Hong Kong is remains in the summer influenza peak season, and the centre has recorded at least 300 isolates of flu virus a week showing the viruses are quite active in the community.

 

He also expects the number of hand, foot and mouth disease cases will rise next month with the peak season starting in October or November.

 

He urged schools, institutions and parents to stay alert and take precautions to prevent outbreak. Schools and institutions should report outbreaks immediately to the centre.

 

Dr Tsang said the pneumococcal vaccination programme for children will start in October at the Department of Health's Maternal & Child Health Centres, using a new vaccine which can prevent the 10 most common types of the disease.

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