Flu Season Persists Beyond Four Months, Experts Warn of Continued Outbreaks Until November
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's flu season that began in June has now extended beyond four months, with experts warning that outbreaks could continue until November. Two schoolgirls aged 6 and 12 died from severe flu complications last week, both unvaccinated. Professor David Hui Shu-cheong from CUHK's Department of Respiratory Medicine says the unusual duration is partly due to a shift from H3N2 to H1N1 virus strains, and low population immunity against H1N1. While the Health Department reports that school outbreak numbers have declined in recent weeks, hospital admission rates remain elevated and public health officials continue to urge preventive measures.
Key Points
- Two unvaccinated schoolgirls aged 6 and 12 died from severe flu complications in the same week, sparking parental concerns about classroom outbreaks
- Professor David Hui (許樹昌) from CUHK forecasts the flu peak will persist until November, lasting at least 5 months total, longer than the previous year
- The season initially saw H3N2 dominance in June, then shifted to H1N1 in August; Hong Kong's population has low immunity against H1N1 after years without major outbreaks
- School outbreaks numbered 23 cases affecting 120 people from October 18-21, down from 62 outbreaks affecting 307 people in the week of October 11-17
- Health authorities recommend that students wear masks on crowded public transport and wash hands frequently, while urging parents to consider private clinic vaccinations if school outreach programs are delayed
Why It Matters
The prolonged flu season places significant strain on Hong Kong's public healthcare system, with hospital admission rates remaining high even as outbreak numbers in schools show signs of tapering. The deaths of two unvaccinated children highlight the importance of vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups like schoolchildren and elderly residents who face elevated risks during crowded commuting hours.
The prolonged flu season places significant strain on Hong Kong's public healthcare system, with hospital admission rates remaining high even as outbreak numbers in schools show signs of tapering. The deaths of two unvaccinated children highlight the importance of vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups like schoolchildren and elderly residents who face elevated risks during crowded commuting hours.