10th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Hong Kong government announced yesterday that the flu season has officially begun, with the Centre for Health Protection’s Infectious Disease Division head, Dr Albert Au, projecting that the peak of flu activity is expected in a month’s time. In light of this, a special advisory was sent to all schools urging them to implement additional health measures, including daily temperature checks for students upon their return to school.
Dr Au noted that the prevalent virus strain in Hong Kong is the H1 influenza A, which aligns with strains detected in mainland China. While it is premature to speculate on whether the flu peak may extend or if there could be a dual peak, he assured that close monitoring would continue.
Given the potential for outbreaks in schools, the health authorities stressed the importance of daily temperature checks to identify feverish students, advising that symptomatic staff and students should refrain from attending school. Additionally, elderly care facilities were urged to heighten their infection control measures and isolate residents exhibiting fever and respiratory symptoms.
The Centre for Health Protection also revealed a list of 168 schools that declined to participate in the flu vaccination outreach programme, along with 13 schools that have yet to confirm vaccination dates. This list includes many private and international institutions, such as Victoria Kindergarten and St. Paul’s Co-educational College. Dr Au encouraged parents to take immediate action and arrange for their children to receive the flu vaccine.
Regarding COVID-19, Dr Au indicated that while current activity levels are low, there are signs of a slight increase. The virus tends to experience minor peaks every four to six months in Hong Kong, with the last peak occurring from late July to early August of last year. He emphasised the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and young children, to mitigate the risk of complications and fatalities.
Additionally, a rise in acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in care homes has been reported, primarily attributed to the winter-active norovirus, which accounted for 75% of cases. Dr Au highlighted the virus’s high transmissibility, noting that factors such as improper handling of vomit and poor ventilation may have contributed to these outbreaks.
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