Hard hit from influenza feared amid low jab rate

Hong Kong may see more serious influenza outbreaks than Covid in the winter, government pandemic adviser Ivan Hung Fan-ngai says.

He noted the local vaccination rate for Covid is high and that a majority of people have already been infected, but there is a low jab rate for seasonal flu. And as travel restrictions ease he warned of a major surge in flu cases.

A large number of people will travel abroad, the University of Hong Kong expert predicted, and the number of inbound visitors will also increase.

Along with mask requirements being relaxed overseas, Hung is worried the flu virus will be brought in from abroad, resulting in a significant increase in cases in the SAR.

"In addition, many young children in Hong Kong have not been exposed to the flu virus in the past two to three years due to the wearing of masks and other measures, so if they are infected with the flu the risk of severe illness will increase," he added.

Hung said studies overseas show people are rarely infected with two viruses at the same time but usually catch flu after recovering from Covid.

"Covid can damage the immunity of the upper respiratory tract cells, increasing the chance of influenza infection," he said. "It is recommended that especially the elderly and children should be vaccinated against influenza and always wear a mask to prevent upper respiratory tract diseases."

But the Hong Kong Early Childhood Educators Association found in a survey that over 30 percent of schools had not arranged for flu shots, mainly due to students crying, difficulties in arranging time and manpower to cope with parental inquiries.

There is also a worry that in-school vaccination could lead to mishaps.

But a majority said it would help if authorities could provide nasal spray flu vaccines.

William Chui Chun-ming, president of the Society of Hospital Pharmacies, said if young children are fearful of pain and needles the nasal spray can be more convenient.

Nasal spray flu vaccine can only be used for people aged two to 49 years old, except those who are pregnant, immunocompromised or with other contraindications.

Side effects of nasal spray in children can also cause a runny nose and fever while adults may experience sore throat.

Chui called for more nasal spray vaccines to be ordered to cope with the projected demand.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com