Serious flu outbreaks unlikely in short term, respiratory medicine specialist says

It's unlikely there will be serious flu outbreaks in the short term, despite an increase of cases in the community, respiratory medicine specialist, Leung Chi-chiu, said on Monday (Dec. 4).

He said Hong Kong's summer flu season has just ended, and the winter season may come in February or March.

"Because we have already had substantial circulation of the influenza virus within our community for some time, we are likely to see a more normal winter season, instead of a major rebound, like what is currently seen in the mainland," he said.

Paediatrician Patrick Ip from the University of Hong Kong, meanwhile, said even though the winter flu season is coming later than usual, people should not let their guard down.

According to him on a radio program, there has been an increase in the number of persons contracting various respiratory illnesses, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, with over 100 instances recorded each month since August.