Flu severity underestimated, doctor claims
HKU microbiologist says the city's classification of severe cases leads to artificially low numbers
Health authorities underestimate the pervasiveness of serious influenza cases in the city because only those admitted to intensive care units are considered severe, a University of Hong Kong microbiologist says.
The scientist, Dr Ho Pak-leung, a clinical associate professor at the university's department of microbiology, predicted more serious outbreaks of flu during the Lunar New Year holiday next month.
This comes as flu outbreaks were reported in 68 schools and aged-care homes last week, affecting dozens of students and elderly as the city enters the height of influenza season.
Thirty-seven patients with viruses had died this year as of Thursday, with 78 serious cases still under intensive care. During one week earlier this month, 247 infections and 21 deaths were recorded, according to the Health Department.
But Ho said figures could be higher as many flu patients' conditions were severe enough to require assisted ventilation through an artificial breathing tube, but not serious enough to be admitted to intensive care. They were therefore not recorded as severe.
"If a patient with flu requires [tracheal] intubation but is not admitted to ICU, then these figures are not recorded," Ho said on local radio.