Flu outbreaks may occur in kindergartens and primary schools, Ivan Hung says

The Centre for Health Protection recently indicated that the level of seasonal flu activity is rising, anticipating the onset of the flu season within the next week or two. Prof. Ivan Hung, head of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, said on a radio program today (Jan. 4) that flu cases in Hong Kong have reached the baseline set by the World Health Organization for the start of the flu season.

"Currently, the infection rate is notably higher among children aged 5 and under, with the potential for outbreaks in kindergartens or primary schools, possibly peaking before the Lunar New Year."

Prof. Hung noted that after Japan entered winter, lower temperatures have made the flu virus more active. He has observed that many Hong Kong residents returning from Japan have exhibited flu symptoms, with those who did not receive the flu vaccine experiencing more severe symptoms, such as prolonged fever. In contrast, most individuals who were vaccinated have not contracted the virus, and even if infected, their symptoms tend to be milder.

He further mentioned that last winter, many people were infected with H1 or H3 influenza, but he believes the situation this year will not be as severe as in previous years. The peak flu season may be shorter, but there is still a possibility of a "dual peak" with two types of flu outbreaks occurring simultaneously.

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