HONG KONG, March 9(Xinhuanet)-- Influenza outbreaks hit five institutions in Hong Kong between March 1 and 8, showing Hong Konghas entered its peak flu season, Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection said on Wednesday.

The center said private doctors have seen an increase in flu-like cases. For the week ending Feb. 26, the consultation rate forflu was 47.1 per 1,000 consultations, up 33.8 percent on the previous week.

Laboratory surveillance has also seen an increase of flu virus detection, with about 60 percent of isolates being Influenza A(H3N2).

Absenteeism at childcare centers due to sickness has risen to 5.82 percent from 3.5 percent the previous week.

The center urged people to guard against flu and other respiratory illnesses.