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RSV, flu A remain most prevalent fatal viruses in Hong Kong: study

Xinhua, February 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A are the most prevalent fatal types in Hong Kong among studied viruses, researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong said on Thursday.

On analyzing more than 19,400 patients who were confirmed to have respiratory viral infections and admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin between 1998 and 2012, the researchers found that children and seniors were more likely to be affected by RSV and flu A.

The findings showed that 37 percent of children aged five or below were infected with RSV and 25 percent with flu A. As for seniors aged 65 or above who died of respiratory infections, 48 percent were flu A and 20 percent were RSV.

Professor Chan Kay Sheung, chairman of the university's Department of Microbiology, suggested hospitals to implement a rapid diagnostic test targeting RSV and flu A for patients with respiratory infection symptoms, especially for children and elderly people, which can help to provide early diagnosis and prompt treatment and reduce the risk of death.

The researchers also encouraged breast feeding which can help strengthen infants' immune system, so as to lower the chance of RSV infections before one year old. Since influenza can cause serious infections, especially in those with chronic medial conditions, vaccination is a safe and effective way for prevention.

The above results have been published in the November 2015 issue of the journal Medicine. Endit