Urgent call for flu vaccination and hygiene amid Barbie Hsu's death

03-02-2025 12:47 HKT

Respiratory medicine specialist Leung Chi-chiu is urging Hongkongers to prioritize vaccinations and personal hygiene in light of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu's death from the flu in Japan.

The 48-year-old Hsu, also known as 'Big S' passed away in Japan after suffering from influenza complicated by pneumonia on Sunday.

Leung told The Standard on Monday that flu activity in Hong Kong has surged only in recent years.

As a result, many residents have not had prior exposure to the virus, leading to weakened immunity and increased susceptibility to infections in areas with high flu activity.

“The flu virus can lead to viral pneumonia and damage our respiratory system, heightening the risk of secondary bacterial infections, including pneumococcus and streptococcus,” he warned.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic receding over the past two years, Leung cautioned that many individuals still lack sufficient immunity against the flu.

He advised the public to avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, stagger travel times, wear masks, and practice diligent hand hygiene.

Leung also said that not only those with chronic illnesses should be vigilant; travelers accompanying them must also take precautions.

“If one person becomes infected, they risk spreading the virus to a hotel or home, potentially infecting many others,” he said.

Japan is experiencing flu outbreaks, as 5,000 designated medical institutions reported 172,417 influenza patients from January 6 to 12, averaging 35.02 patients per institution.

This figure has surpassed the alert level of 30 for four consecutive weeks, according to Kyodo News.

NHK -- Japanese television company -- reported on January 17 that data from 40 of Japan's 47 prefectures exceeded this alert level, with Tokushima Prefecture recording the highest average at 57.38 patients per institution, followed by Osaka and Tokyo, with averages of 24.93 and 21.93, respectively.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan for January 20 to 26, the total number of influenza patients was 54,594, with the average per institution dropping to 11.06.

Meanwhile, travelers planning to visit Japan expressed concerns about the severe flu situation.

“I’m still a bit worried. My family is also concerned about the possibility of getting infected there, so I can only take precautions like disinfecting and wearing a mask,” said one traveler surnamed Xia at the Hong Kong International Airport.

Another traveler, nicknamed Swing, said, “I’m bringing around 7 or 8 masks, possibly 10, along with various cold medicines and other medications to keep on hand wherever I go.”

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan announced on January 31 that from September 2 last year to January 26 this year, the cumulative number of flu cases has exceeded 9.5 million.

According to CCTV News, some hospitals and pharmacies in Japan have been experiencing a flu medication shortage since last December due to uneven inventory distribution from excessive stockpiling by certain institutions.

(Cheng Wong)

File photo (Reuters)