Officials take steps to slow flu outbreaks

Five years ago, SARS proved how fast a disease can travel from one continent to another. Yesterday in Hong Kong, health officials took a preemptive strike to slow down the rampage of this season's flu outbreak in the country. More than half a million primary and kindergarten students were given a surprise 2-week vacation to calm public fears and slow the spread of the flu - and hopefully give medical clinics a reprieve.

Hong Kong FluThe WHO (World Health Organization) said the current flu outbreak in Hong Kong is normal for this season and has not been linked to the bird flu, which has been detected in birds in Hong Kong. It's difficult for humans to contract the bird flu, but scientist fear the virus will eventually mutate, spreading it to humans.

There has been no sign of the panic that gripped Hong Kong in 2003, when SARS killed 299 residents. Locals have not started wearing masks and seem to be taking the school closure as a smart precaution rather than a reason to panic.

But clinics and hospitals are maxed out with admissions being 16% higher than they were this time last year. Front line medical staff have been working overtime to accommodate the surge, and keeping kids home (where they aren't sharing germs) will helpfully ease the pressure.

Yuen Kwok-yung, who studied Hong Kong's outbreak of SARS is leading a panel of scientists to study the recent deaths of 3 children last week. Because the children had the flu, some classmates are being hospitalized as a precaution. The cause of death has not yet been determined.

In the US, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevnetion) flu activity is beginning to decrease, but it's been a rough winter with more hospitalizations and deaths than last year.

Have you had your flu shot this year? Do think the flu shot helps protect you when you travel?