The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong on Wednesday warned the Filipino Community and visiting Filipino nationals of “winter influenza” which has already claimed 118 since January 2015.
The Centre for Health Protection of HK’s Department of Health reported the deaths in its latest surveillance data for the winter influenza season.
It urged the local residence in Hong Kong to heighten vigilance and get vaccinated early against seasonal influenza, the PCG said in its website.
“It is an infection caused by various influenza viruses and it is usually more common in periods from January to March and from July to August in Hong Kong,” the Philippine consulate said in its report.
“There are two types of influenza viruses that were recognized namely: Influenza A (H1 N1 ) virus which has now become one of the seasonal influenza strains in Hong Kong and the (H3N2) which is the winter’s dominant virus strain,” according to the Philippine consulate.
The Consulate said it continues to monitor developments and will resume advisories to Filipino communities.
There are about 180,000 Filipinos in Hong Kong, mostly working as domestic helpers, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.
Patients with influenza usually experience fever, a sore throat and coughing. They may also have headache, muscle pain, runny nose, redness, loose stool and vomiting. The disease usually improves in 2 two 7 days, but it may cause serious complications such as infection of the lungs or inflammation of the airways.
The influenza mainly spreads through droplets and contact with the respiratory tract secretions of patients. Good personal hygiene prevents spread of the disease.