Hong Kong Government Warns of Potential Influenza Spike as Seasonal Activity Rises

Strategic Insights -

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has issued a warning to the public to receive seasonal influenza vaccination promptly, as the current level of influenza activity is expected to remain at a relatively high level over the next few weeks. This warning comes as four severe paediatric influenza infection cases were recorded within four days. The CHP is urging individuals aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, to receive the vaccination, especially high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses and immunosuppression.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) warns of a potential influenza spike as seasonal activity rises, with four severe paediatric influenza infection cases recorded within four days.
  • The current level of influenza activity is expected to remain at a relatively high level over the next few weeks, with viruses becoming more active when temperatures drop.
  • The winter influenza season in Hong Kong typically occurs between January and March, and the current summer influenza season may overlap with the upcoming winter season, potentially leading to more hospitalisations.
  • Members of the public, especially children, the elderly, and those with underlying illnesses, should seek medical attention promptly if presented with fever and respiratory symptoms, and go to the Accident and Emergency Department immediately if symptoms worsen.
  • The CHP uploads the latest seasonal influenza information on its website weekly and issues timely reminders to healthcare professionals and schools based on the latest development.

Statistics:

  • Four severe paediatric influenza infection cases were recorded within four days.
  • The winter influenza season in Hong Kong typically occurs between January and March.
  • The current summer influenza season may overlap with the upcoming winter influenza season.
  • Individuals aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, are advised to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination, especially high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses and immunosuppression.

Sources:

  • Hong Kong Government special administrative region CHP urges public to promptly receive seasonal influenza vaccination as four severe paediatric influenza infection cases were recorded within four days
  • Hong Kong Government Centre for Health Protection