The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) yesterday (20th) received a report of a severe pediatric influenza case involving a 14-year-old girl, marking the third severe child flu case within 8 days. As Hong Kong is about to enter the winter influenza season, flu cases are expected to rise. Hong Kong pediatric specialist Dr. Han Jinlun previously told Sing Tao Headline that primary and secondary school students are a high-risk group for influenza and urged them to get vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent the flu.
The CHP announced yesterday a severe case of Influenza A infection in a 14-year-old girl, the third such pediatric case in eight days. The girl developed fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches on Sunday. She sought medical treatment at United Christian Hospital the next day and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit due to persistently low blood pressure. Her respiratory sample tested positive for Influenza A, and her condition is currently stable.
Investigations revealed the girl had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccine. Three of her classmates also recently developed flu-like symptoms; one was confirmed to have Influenza A and has been discharged from the hospital, while the other two have mild illnesses. The CHP has requested the school to implement infection control measures and conduct medical surveillance.
The Centre anticipates that with the recent cold weather, circulating virus strains may change, and flu activity may rise again. The winter flu season is approaching, and the CHP urges all individuals aged 6 months and above to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as possible.
Pediatric specialist Han shared that after receiving the flu vaccine, it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for the body to develop sufficient protective immunity. He explained that influenza spreads mainly through respiratory droplets. Primary and secondary school students have close interactions in school, making it easy for infectious diseases to spread rapidly within campuses.
Han specifically reminded parents and students to pay attention to the following preventive measures:
Han pointed out that while symptoms of Influenza A and B are similar, the main difference lies in illness severity. Influenza A typically spreads faster, has stronger viral activity, has a more abrupt onset, and often results in more severe illness with high fever. In contrast, Influenza B spreads slightly slower, and symptoms/illness are generally milder than Influenza A. In his clinical experience, the number of patients infected with Influenza A is also relatively higher.
Han explained that even healthy individuals without chronic medical histories, especially children, can develop severe complications after contracting the flu. He emphasized, "Some children's immune systems may react too strongly, potentially triggering life-threatening complications like pneumonia, myocarditis, or encephalitis." Therefore, healthy individuals can also face fatal threats.
Many parents believe that fever and cough in children can be overcome by their own immunity. However, Han warns that this approach may miss the optimal treatment window. He cautions that once severe complications develop, symptoms in young children may not be obvious, and diagnosis might be delayed, leading to delayed treatment.
Therefore, parents need to be vigilant. If children show symptoms like fever, fatigue, or loss of appetite, they should seek medical attention immediately. Keeping a high-accuracy rapid flu test at home can also help with early detection of infection. Do not delay seeking medical care during the golden treatment period.
