Flu peak estimated to occur in HK next month: Dr. Mike Kwan Yat-wah

Dr. Mike Kwan Yat-wah, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the University of Hong Kong stated today (Dec. 21) on a radio program that the flu peak in Hong Kong is expected to occur next month.

He noted an increase in the number of children hospitalized due to infections from various viruses and urged children who have not received the flu vaccine to get vaccinated.

He mentioned that hospitalized children are infected with various viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, rhinovirus, and parainfluenza. Generally, children who have received the flu vaccine experience milder symptoms, often being discharged after one or two days of fever, and their condition is better than last year. However, some severe cases present with serious pneumonia and even encephalitis, mostly among those who have not been vaccinated.

He pointed out that Australia, located in the Southern Hemisphere, experienced a severe flu situation earlier this year. He is concerned that Hong Kong, in the Northern Hemisphere, may see a worsening flu situation as it enters winter.

He expressed particular concern about the low vaccination rate among children aged 6 months to 3 years. He reminded citizens to get vaccinated early before traveling, as it takes two weeks for the vaccine to provide sufficient antibodies.

He noted that he sees children infected with COVID-19 being hospitalized daily and urged children who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine to get at least two doses. However, he stated that children who have already received three doses do not need to be vaccinated again.

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