Each year February and March are consider the winter flu season months, the Food and Health Secretary Mr. Chow said last week that Hong Kong has entered the influenza peak in winter and 70% of patients are infected by the swine influenza H1N1 virus, the symptoms more obvious, more serious with complications, the number of deaths is higher, so he called high risk groups such as young children, pregnant women and the elderly should be vaccinated as soon as possible with the seasonal influenza vaccine, the vaccine takes about 2 weeks to play a protective role, the current injection is good way of prevention.

Mr. Chow points out the detection of influenza viruses in the community indicated the data show that in the past week there is an increase in the overall level of influenza activity, influenza virus samples detected doubled, appealed to the public Hong Kong has entered the influenza peak period, while the peak period usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks. In the past February and March is the peak season in Hong Kong, but maybe because due to the cold weather this year, influenza has come a month earlier.

During the influenza peak season to remind the public vaccination is the most effective methods of prevention, pediatric specialists believe that the recent rise in cases of children admitted to hospital, maybe weather-related, a special attention to children should stay at home to rest and avoid infecting others.

To prevent influenza, public should take the following measures:

1. Noted that a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking, in order to enhance the body's resistance.

2. To maintain good personal and environmental hygiene practices.

3. Sneezing and coughing should wash hands after immediately.

4. To maintain air circulation.

5. To avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during the peak flu season.