The director of the emergency department of the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre, Chang Tam Fei, said yesterday that the average waiting time in the public hospital’s emergency department is currently around two hours, although it may be even longer during the recent flu peak period, according to local media reports yesterday.
Chang said that as Macau enters its peak flu season, the bureau is addressing the increasing number of respiratory illness cases by allocating additional manpower and medical resources to maintain reasonable waiting times in emergency departments, adding that residents can utilise medical resources in the community (such as health centre) for mild respiratory symptoms to avoid straining the emergency service at the public hospital, local media reported.
The bureau has identified two severe flu cases recently, one involving a 38-year-old patient with no chronic conditions who developed pneumonia after contracting the flu virus, and another with a more complex infection of a 57-year-old man. Both patients have required intensive care and were not vaccinated against the seasonal flu.
Health Bureau official Chan Choi Van noted that last week the bureau reported a flu positivity rate of 26.2 percent, indicating a notable increase from previous weeks, highlighting the flu virus’s growing presence in the city, local media reported.
Chan also told reporters yesterday that flu remains the primary threat among acute respiratory infections, with the virus’s transmission rate on the rise, according to a local media report.
As the holiday season approaches, Chan said, increased social gatherings and travel are expected to elevate the risk of flu infections, adding that vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic illnesses, should get vaccinated promptly, as the vaccination takes at least two weeks to develop sufficient immunity, local media reported.
In addition, the bureau reported a critical flu case yesterday, in which an 86-year-old male resident of a nursing home, suffering from multiple chronic diseases, exhibited worsening symptoms after initially being treated for a cough.
He was diagnosed with influenza A and pneumonia, and he was in a critical condition and on a ventilator yesterday, noting that he had previously received the seasonal flu vaccine, according to the statement.
With flu cases on the rise, the bureau continues to emphasise the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of this seasonal illness, the statement said, stressing that residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and seek medical attention for any concerning symptoms.
Photo courtesy of CareSouth Carolina
