Speaking on a radio program this morning, Lam, also the vice president of the Hong Kong Society for Infectious Diseases, said among the 47 severe influenza cases between April 9 and 15, 20 patients died from their infection, while 17 patients died among 29 severe cases from April 16 to 19.

He said most severe cases involved elderlies, and the deceased, in most cases, were suffering from chronic illness or had not been inoculated with the flu vaccine.

“The complications from influenza could have triggered their underlying illness and increased their risk of dying from the infection,” he added.

Meanwhile, he said young children should also be vigilant against influenza as Hong Kong has seen flu outbreaks at schools, although the number of severe and death cases was similar to previous seasons.