Global influenza cases increase, expert urge seniors and children to get shots ASAP

Government expert adviser Ivan Hung Fan-ngai, head of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, said in a radio program today (September 25) that with the relaxation of quarantine measures in Hong Kong, there is concern that influenza viruses brought in from overseas will lead to a significant increase in local influenza cases. He called on health care workers, children, and the elderly to get vaccinated against influenza.

Ivan Hung predicted that after the government relaxes the entry quarantine, many people will travel abroad, and the number of inbound tourists will also increase. In addition to the relaxation of foreign mask orders, influenza cases in the United Kingdom, and other places have rebounded.

Ivan Hung pointed out that many young children in Hong Kong have not been exposed to the flu virus in the past two to three years due to the wearing of masks and other measures, and if they are infected with the flu, the chance of serious illness will increase.