Hong Kong Flu Season Is Rising: 9 Severe Child Cases, 1 Death, and Why Protection Matters Now
Hong Kong entered flu season in late June, and 9 severe influenza cases in children have been recorded so far, including 1 death.
Among the remaining cases, 3 children have recovered and been discharged, 1 is stable, 2 are in serious condition, and 2 are critical.
Monitoring data shows flu activity is still rising, community spread is high, and both infections and severe cases may continue to increase.
What the latest flu update means
According to the Centre for Health Protection director Raymond Wu Lok-kin, influenza activity has not eased. It is still moving upward, which means families should stay alert, especially when children, older adults, and people with chronic illness are involved.
In Hong Kong, common advice from the Centre for Health Protection, Hospital Authority, and Hong Kong Medical Association has remained consistent: reduce exposure, maintain hygiene, and seek medical care early when symptoms worsen.
Why children are at higher risk
Children often spend time in schools, tutoring centers, and other crowded settings. This makes it easier for the virus to spread. Young children may also have trouble explaining how sick they feel, so parents should watch for early warning signs.
Warning signs to watch for
Persistent fever
Worsening cough
Sore throat
Runny nose
Low energy or poor appetite
Fast or difficult breathing
Seizures, unusual sleepiness, or poor response
If a child has high fever that does not improve, breathing problems, or unusual drowsiness, seek medical attention promptly.
How to lower the risk of infection
1. Wear a mask
A mask can help reduce droplet spread in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated places.
If you are coughing or have a runny nose, wearing a mask also helps protect people around you.
2. Wash hands often
Use soap and water, especially after:
coming home
before meals
using the toilet
coughing or sneezing
touching door handles, railings, or phones
If soap and water are not available, use alcohol hand sanitizer.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Viruses can enter through the hands and spread to the face. This is a simple habit, but it matters.
4. Keep indoor air flowing
Open windows when possible and avoid staying too long in stuffy spaces. Better ventilation can help reduce virus buildup.
5. Get vaccinated against flu
Flu vaccination remains one of the most practical ways to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Even if infection still happens, vaccination may help lower the chance of serious complications.
6. Stay home when sick
If you have fever, cough, or body aches, rest at home and avoid spreading the virus to others.
What parents and caregivers can do now
Check a child’s temperature, appetite, and energy level daily
Remind children to wear a mask when needed
Teach proper handwashing
Arrange flu vaccination
Seek medical help early if symptoms become severe
Keep shared items clean if someone at home is ill
This flu update is a reminder that influenza is not always a mild illness, especially for young children and other higher-risk groups. With flu activity still rising, the best response is simple and steady: wear a mask when needed, wash hands well, improve ventilation, get vaccinated, and seek care early if symptoms worsen.