Seasonal flu expected to peak in early February: expert

The seasonal flu in Hong Kong is projected to peak in early February, according to respiratory expert David Hui Shu-cheong from Chinese University. 

This warning comes as the Special Administrative Region (SAR) reported 37 serious flu infections among adults last week, with a concerning 70 percent of those affected not having received the flu vaccine.

Speaking on a radio program on Sunday, Hui said that the hospitalization rate for flu patients in public hospitals has been rising recently. 

However, he emphasized that the flu outbreak has not yet reached its peak, as the city just entered the flu season two weeks ago. 

He anticipates that infections will peak in early February, with a potential decrease in cases by mid-March.
Hui strongly urged Hongkongers to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible, stressing that achieving herd immunity requires a vaccination rate of 70 to 80 percent within the community.

(Wallis Wang)