Hong Kong has officially entered its influenza season, with health authorities reporting a sharp uptick in seasonal flu cases and urging widespread vaccination, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The Centre for Health Protection revealed Thursday that seasonal influenza indicators have breached critical thresholds, signaling the start of the annual flu period. Respiratory specimen tests show a 5.69% positive rate, exceeding the 4.94% baseline, while hospital admissions have climbed to 0.36 cases per 10,000 residents.
Dr. Edwin Tsui, Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, emphasized that influenza A (H1) viruses are dominating the current outbreak, representing approximately 90% of detected cases.
Institutional outbreaks have dramatically increased following the holiday season, with seven school and institutional clusters affecting 45 individuals — more than double December’s weekly average. Health officials anticipate further escalation and are proactively communicating with schools and medical institutions.
Vaccination remains a critical preventive strategy. Approximately 1,832,000 vaccine doses have been administered, a modest 5.4% increase from last year. However, vaccination rates remain concerningly low, particularly among young children, with just 17.4% coverage for those aged six months to two years.
Dr. Tsui strongly recommended immediate vaccination for high-risk groups, including elderly individuals and children, to mitigate potential serious complications.
The government has expanded vaccination accessibility by opening Maternal & Child Health Centres and encouraging online appointment bookings. Additionally, health officials are advising the public to practice preventive measures such as mask-wearing in crowded spaces and seeking prompt medical attention for respiratory symptoms.
As the flu season progresses, health authorities will continue monitoring infection rates and updating public health guidance.
