Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Various types of these viruses can lead to infection, with the most common in Hong Kong being influenza A(H1), influenza A(H3), and influenza B. While cases can occur year-round, influenza is typically more prevalent from January to March/April and from July to August. The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, and overall fatigue. Most people recover within two to seven days. However, unvaccinated young children, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness after contracting influenza, with risks of complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, meningitis, or severe pneumonia, which can be fatal in severe cases. Healthy individuals may also suffer from severe infections or influenza complications.
If local seasonal influenza activity rises, the public, particularly children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions, should seek seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) as soon as possible. Additionally, individuals should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene by following these guidelines:
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- Wear Surgical Masks: These can help prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses. Individuals showing symptoms (even mild) should wear a mask.
- High-Risk Precautions: Those with underlying health issues or weakened immune systems should wear masks on public transport or in crowded areas. It’s crucial to practice hand hygiene before putting on and after removing a mask.
- Avoid Touching Face: Refrain from touching eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap and water when potentially contaminated. If hands are not visibly dirty, use a 70-80% alcohol-based hand rub.
- Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette: Use tissue paper to cover the mouth and nose, dispose of it properly, and wash hands afterward.
- Indoor Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation indoors.
- Monitor Symptoms: If experiencing respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, avoid work or school, stay away from crowded places, and seek medical advice quickly.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get adequate rest, avoid smoking, and manage stress.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) is an effective method to prevent influenza and its complications, significantly reducing the rates of hospitalization and death associated with the virus. Since SIV provides protection against clinical influenza and severe cases can arise even in previously healthy individuals, it is recommended that all individuals aged 6 months and older, except those with known contraindications, receive the vaccine annually for personal protection.
All individuals aged 6 months and older, except those with known contraindications, should receive Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) annually to ensure personal health protection against influenza.
For the 2025-26 season, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) in Hong Kong recommends the following priority groups for seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV):
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- Children and Adolescents: Aged six months to under 18 years
- Health Care Workers
- Individuals Aged 50 and Above
- Pregnant Women
- Residents of Residential Care Homes (e.g., RCHEs and RCHDs)
- Persons with Chronic Medical Conditions
- Poultry Workers
- Pig Farmers and Personnel in the Pig-Slaughtering Industry
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Members of the public can consult their family doctors to receive SIV for personal protection
(Centre of Health Protection, 2025)
Paediatric & Adolescent Centre
Address: 15/F, HKBH East Kowloon Medical Centre, 8 Yan Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
Telephone：2339 8461
WhatsApp inquiry and appointment: 2339 8100