Health authorities warn of imminent spike in flu cases

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2008,
Page 2 “We estimate that the peak [for the flu season] will be at the end of this month … which is later than in past years.” — Lin Ting, CDC deputy director-general
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday that falling temperatures would contribute to a rise in the number of flu cases and urged people who qualify for free flu shots to receive them before the end of this month, when the program ends.
The CDC reported that of all influenza-type illnesses, type B was the most common, with 383 cases reported so far this year.
“We estimate that the peak [for the flu season] will be at the end of this month … which is later than in past years,” CDC deputy director-general Lin Ting (林頂) said.
Temperatures fell later than usual this year, he said.
The winter season will also see a rise in the number of cases of respiratory illnesses, he said.
The CDC also announced that of the 47 cases of migratory infectious diseases reported last month, dengue fever was predominant, with 28 cases.
The countries of origin were mainly Vietnam, Indonesia and China.
So far, about 2.1 million people — more than half of those who qualify — have received flu shots.
Free flu shots are available for children between six months and three years of age, senior citizens aged 65 and older, medical and epidemic control personnel, bird and poultry industry workers, inmates as well as elementary school children in grades one through four. http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/11/12/2003428364