20-Month-Old Infant in Critical Condition with Influenza A, Septic Shock
Crhk · 5 SOURCESabout 10 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Health authorities confirmed on August 10 that a 20-month-old boy is in critical condition after contracting Influenza A with septic shock complications. The infant, who was previously healthy, began running a fever on July 7 and was taken to a private clinic the following day after experiencing convulsions. He was immediately transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital's emergency department, where doctors found his blood pressure dangerously low. The child was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, where testing confirmed Influenza A infection. His condition remains critical.
Key Points
- The 20-month-old boy developed fever on July 7 and was taken to a private clinic the next day after suffering convulsions
- He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital's pediatric intensive care unit with low blood pressure and diagnosed with septic shock
- The child had not received the 2025/26 seasonal flu vaccine and had no travel history during the incubation period
- A household contact tested positive for flu with mild symptoms and has since recovered without requiring hospitalization
- Seven severe pediatric flu cases have been recorded since late June, with one child succumbing to the illness
Why It Matters
This case underscores the serious risks influenza poses to young children, particularly those unvaccinated. Centre for Health Protection Director Dr. Tsui Lok-kin indicated that flu activity will likely remain high in the coming weeks, with H3 and H1 Influenza A strains circulating. With the 2026/27 flu season approaching, health officials are calling on schools and parents to participate in school-based vaccination programs to protect vulnerable children .
This case underscores the serious risks influenza poses to young children, particularly those unvaccinated. Centre for Health Protection Director Dr. Tsui Lok-kin indicated that flu activity will likely remain high in the coming weeks, with H3 and H1 Influenza A strains circulating. With the 2026/27 flu season approaching, health officials are calling on schools and parents to participate in school-based vaccination programs to protect vulnerable children .