19th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) David Hui a professor of respiratory medicine at Chinese University, has expressed concerns regarding the rising flu cases across the northern hemisphere, particularly with the H1N1 strain becoming predominant in regions such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and parts of Europe and North America. During a radio broadcast today, Hui warned that Hong Kong residents returning from overseas holidays may inadvertently bring the virus back to the city.
Currently, Hong Kong is in the second week of its flu season, with expectations that peak activity will occur between the fourth and sixth weeks, or early next month, before receding around mid-March. Last year, the city experienced a significant outbreak of the H3N2 strain, followed by a surge in H1N1 cases, which contributed to an extended flu season lasting nearly six months. Hui noted that similar patterns could emerge this year, but the situation remains unpredictable.
Hui also highlighted an alarming increase in hospital admissions, particularly among young children aged 0 to 5 and seniors aged 65 and above. In the second week of January alone, 37 severe adult cases were reported, with 15 fatalities. 25 of these severe cases involved individuals who had not received the flu vaccine.
The professor highlighted the importance of vaccination, stating that an ideal coverage rate should be between 70% and 80%. However, current statistics reveal that the vaccination rates are concerningly low: only 48% for infants and young children, 20% for those aged 50 to 64, and approximately 45% for seniors, primarily those living in care facilities. Many elderly individuals in the community remain unvaccinated, prompting Hui to urge high-risk groups to seek vaccination promptly.
