Health experts say respiratory infection increased among children during Lunar New Year

A health expert said there was an increase in respiratory disease cases among children during the Chinese New Year and expected a surge in the overall flu and Covid-19 infections set to be announced by the Center for Health Protection.

Mike Kwan Yat-wah, an honorary clinical associate professor of pediatrics and adolescent medicine at the University of Hong Kong, told a radio program today that the increase in gatherings during the Lunar New Year holidays has caused the infection rates of children's respiratory diseases to increase, and he expects that the upcoming week will reveal the overall infection rate.

He also said that the Princess Margaret Hospital has also moved all their doctors to the frontlines in the past weekend, and the situation of the patients has also worsened compared to before, with more children being infected with influenza, pneumonia, etc., and having to be moved to the children's intensive care unit.

There were also cases where children were not being hygienic while overseas and got infected with intestine viruses.

He further pointed out a rebound in coronavirus cases. He urged children to receive vaccines and wear masks when heading to crowded areas.

Kwan also noted that the measles vaccination situation worldwide was not satisfactory during Covid-19 and suggested that children who had visited Europe or Australia be mindful of their health conditions and be isolated if they developed fevers or rashes.

They should later head to the hospital for medical attention once the condition permits and be swiftly vaccinated.