Expert warns flu wave may merge with winter season
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago5 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong is still facing elevated influenza activity, with the current wave having lasted for more than four months since late June. Paediatric infectious disease specialist Kwan Yat-wah (關日華) said some previously healthy young children have worsened rapidly after catching flu, and urged parents not to dismiss abdominal pain and persistent vomiting as simple stomach problems because they may indicate myocarditis.
Key Points
- Speaking on a radio programme on November 7, Kwan said flu incidence remained high as vaccine-induced antibodies had waned, while cross-infection in households had become severe.
- He said some children developed sudden low blood pressure and simultaneous damage to organs including the liver and heart after flu infection, which doctors believe may be linked to a cytokine storm
- Parents were told to seek medical care quickly if children with flu symptoms also have rapid breathing, blue lips, confusion, persistent high fever or convulsions.
- Kwan said abdominal pain together with persistent vomiting is an especially important warning sign because it can be a symptom of myocarditis rather than only a gastrointestinal problem.
- He said oseltamivir remains effective if started early and should be completed as a five-day, 10-dose course, while newer single-dose antivirals may help in institutions and group settings
Why It Matters
Kwan warned that colder weather expected early next week could worsen the spread of respiratory viruses, and said the current flu wave may merge with the coming winter influenza season. He also said the community is facing simultaneous circulation of influenza, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus and other pathogens, raising the risk of more severe illness and longer hospital stays if people are infected with more than one virus