HONG KONG- Eighteen more people suffering from influenza died in Hong Kong on Tuesday - the most in a single day since the epidemic began in January.

HONG KONG- Eighteen more people suffering from influenza died in Hong Kong on Tuesday - the most in a single day since the epidemic began in January. 

172. Those who answered (the Call of) Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad ) after being wounded; for those of them who did good deeds and feared Allah, there is a great reward.

173. Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them." But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: "Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)."

174. So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.

175. It is only Shaitan (Satan) that suggests to you the fear of his Auliya' [supporters and friends (polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger, Muhammad )], so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers.

176. And let not those grieve you (O Muhammad ) who rush with haste to disbelieve; verily, not the least harm will they do to Allah. It is Allah's Will to give them no portion in the Hereafter. For them there is a great torment.

177. Verily, those who purchase disbelief at the price of Faith, not the least harm will they do to Allah. For them, there is a painful torment.

178. And let not the disbelievers think that Our postponing of their punishment is good for them. We postpone the punishment only so that they may increase in sinfulness. And for them is a disgracing torment.

179. Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the wicked from the good. Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Ghaib (unseen), but Allah chooses of His Messengers whom He pleases. So believe in Allah and His Messengers. And if you believe and fear Allah, then for you there is a great reward.

180. And let not those who covetously withhold of that which Allah has bestowed on them of His Bounty (Wealth) think that it is good for them (and so they do not pay the obligatory Zakat). Nay, it will be worse for them; the things which they covetously withheld shall be tied to their necks like a collar on the Day of Resurrection. And to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is Well-Acquainted with all that you do.3. Aal-'Imran

The government said high-risk groups such as the elderly and chronically ill would be given priority for a vaccine against the flu strain causing most of the deaths, H3N2, the South China Morning Post reported Wednesday.

The vaccine is expected to be available in April.  

Authorities said that some 322 serious flu cases have been reported since the start of the year. The toll for the year after Tuesday's deaths now stands at 228.     

Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung said there was still a high number of serious cases, according to the report.

"The flu surge will remain for some time," he added.

But fewer exhibiting symptoms had tested positive for flu in laboratory checks this week, with the percentage falling to about 30 percent this week from 34 last week.

Health officials said those most susceptible would be given the H3N2 vaccine first when it arrived in the city, the report said.

Dr Chow Chun-bong, chairman of the vaccine committee, said: "Most deaths are elderly patients, aged 85 or above … so we'll give priority for the vaccine according to age."

Authorities said it was necessary to give priority for the vaccine to elderly patients as supply was limited.

"Originally these vaccines were destined for the southern hemisphere. Supply for the northern hemisphere is limited," Leung said, the newspaper reported. Leung added that the stocks due to arrive in April would not be enough to meet demand in the city.

Medical staff would be a lower priority, since there was not a huge problem with outbreaks in hospitals.

"Health-care workers are not considered to be among the high-risk group," a health official was quoted as saying in the report.

People working in aged-care homes or intensive care units would be encouraged to get vaccinated. 

The health minister, Ko Wing-man, warned that the current outbreak was not over yet, even if there were fewer people testing positive for the flu virus, the report said. 

"The drop in positive samples could be because more people are leaving the city for the holiday," Ko said, urging hospitals to prepare for more patients when people returned from holiday, when wards were likely to fill up again

Millions of Canadians catch the flu every year. Learn about causes, symptoms, risks, prevention and treatment.

Causes

The flu is caused by a virus that passes easily from person to person. Learn how the virus spreads, and how you can stop it.

Symptoms

Flu symptoms often include fever, chills and cough, with sore throat, headache and aching muscles. Find out what all the symptoms are.

Risks

The flu can be more serious for some people than for others. Find out what the risks are, and who is most vulnerable.

Treatment

If you have the flu, rest and fluids help you get well faster. Find out how to treat the flu at home, and when to see a health professional for more help.

Prevention

The best way to prevent the flu is to be vaccinated. You can get a flu shot, or sometimes get the vaccine as a nasal spray. Learn how the vaccine protects you and your family.

Surveillance

Learn about FluWatch, a surveillance system that monitors flu activity across Canada.

For health professionals

If you are a health professional, find more detailed information about the flu, including key resources and links to partners.

Find a flu clinic

An interactive map helps you find the nearest clinic where you can get the flu vaccine. Also look for information and resources in the province or territory where you live.