HK faces worsening flu wave as over 600 school outbreaks recorded

Hong Kong’s flu season shows no signs of easing, with more than 600 influenza outbreaks recorded across schools since the start of the new academic year, according to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP).

The figure — 602 outbreaks in total — has already far exceeded the 88 cases reported during the entire winter flu season earlier this year.

The CHP also revealed that 13 severe or fatal cases involving children have been recorded so far this term, highlighting growing concern among parents and educators.

Patrick Ip Pak-keung, clinical professor at the University of Hong Kong’s Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, said this year’s summer flu season began unusually late — only starting in September, around two months behind the usual pattern.

“More than half of Hong Kong’s schools have reported some level of outbreak,” he noted, describing the situation as “more serious than in previous years.”

Ip explained that influenza viruses mutate easily, meaning new strains can emerge each year. Following the pandemic, community immunity has also weakened as fewer people have received flu vaccinations.

“Without adequate protection, people not only face higher infection risk but may also develop more severe complications,” he said.

Flu activity expected to rise further

Speaking on a radio program Thursday morning, Ip warned that flu activity in the community remains on an upward trend and has yet to stabilize. With cooler weather expected in the coming weeks, he predicted that outbreaks in schools may continue through November and December.

He also cautioned that Hong Kong could face an overlap between the current summer flu surge and the traditional winter flu season, which typically runs from January to April.

“If the current wave continues, we may see no break between the two flu seasons,” Ip said.

Parents urged to stay vigilant

When asked whether schools might need to suspend classes, Ip said the situation has not yet reached that point. However, he urged parents to strengthen children’s overall health through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest.

Preventive measures — such as daily temperature checks before school and mask-wearing for students showing symptoms — are also essential.

“If a child develops respiratory symptoms, parents should seek medical attention early and keep the child at home to recover,” Ip advised, adding that collective caution will help reduce the risk of wider transmission in schools.