Flu season set to be upon us amid festivities

Cheng Wong

A seasonal flu outbreak is expected to hit Hong Kong by the New Year or early next month, according to a family doctor.

Lam Wing-wo, who sits on the Department of Health's scientific committee on vaccine preventable diseases, said he has seen a surge in flu infections this week.

Hongkongers returning from overseas during Christmas may have contracted the flu virus, he added.

Most of those seeking treatment have been children or elderly, he said, with a notable rise in acute gastroenteritis cases linked to respiratory syncytial virus and food poisoning.

Parents should be aware that rapid tests may not accurately identify rhinovirus, he said, adding that medical attention should be sought promptly if children show asthma symptoms.

While masks are quite widely worn in Japan, a popular destination with locals, a significant number of people are still getting infected in enclosed environments.

As of mid-December, the average number of reported flu-like illness cases per sentinel site rose from 9.03 the previous week to 19.06, exceeding the baseline level of 1.00.

Regarding Covid, Lam said he had not seen an increase in the number of people seeking treatment lately, but official figures indicate a slight increase in infection numbers. Last week, an outbreak at an elderly care home saw four people infected.

"People are advised to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times for protection against Covid-19 infection and to prevent spreading the disease in the community," the center said.

Lam expressed concern that social gatherings during the festive season could worsen the situation.

He urged high-risk people to get vaccinated promptly to enhance their protection.

His warning came as the Observatory said the weather will turn cool across the region due to a dry replenishment of the northeast monsoon, which will gradually affect the coast of southern China today.

In the coming days, the temperature difference between day and night will be rather large over inland areas.

This Saturday and Sunday are expected to be cold, with temperatures dropping to a low of 14 degrees Celsius and reaching a high of 19 degrees.