HK reports two severe flu cases in children, urges vaccination

The Centre for Health Protection on Saturday announced two severe influenza A cases in children, emphasizing the need for flu vaccinations as schools reopen. 

A 10-year-old boy, previously healthy, developed fever, cough, and shortness of breath on September 3. 

He was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit after tests confirmed influenza A (H1) and COVID-19, causing severe pneumonia and respiratory failure. 

He received a flu vaccine last October, had no recent travel, and his household contacts were asymptomatic.

An 8-year-old boy, also previously healthy, showed symptoms including fever, seizures, and vomiting on September 4. Admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital’s intensive care unit, he tested positive for influenza A (H3), with complications of encephalopathy and shock. 

He had visited Shenzhen on August 31, and a household contact developed mild respiratory symptoms. This child was unvaccinated against flu.

Both children remain hospitalized, with no flu outbreaks reported at their schools. 

Since January, 14 severe flu cases in children were recorded, 10 unvaccinated for the 2024/25 season. 

Health officials stressed that flu vaccines reduce severe complications and urged parents to vaccinate children through school programs or family doctors.

School flu-like illness outbreaks rose from four in late August to 14 in early September, affecting kindergartens and schools.

While flu activity is slightly above baseline, Hong Kong has not entered a summer flu season. 

COVID-19 activity remains low, but officials recommend vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups, to prevent severe outcomes.