Explainer | Is the present outbreak of flu serious and how can Hong Kong best shield itself from infection? The Post asks the experts
- Health experts say immunity to flu infection weakened by years of measures designed to limit Covid-19 spread
- Strict social distancing and hygiene rules led to later start to traditional flu season, doctors say and prescribe vaccination as the best protection available
An influenza outbreak shows signs of worsening amid the Hong Kong flu season, which sparked an appeal to the public to get vaccinated against the disease.
Health experts warn that Hongkongers’ immunity has weakened during years of measures designed to combat Covid-19, such as social distancing.
The Centre for Health Protection earlier issued a flu season warning as the percentage of detections a week for seasonal influenza surged from less than 1 per cent in the first week of March to 9.89 per cent in the week ending April 1.
The Post outlines what you need to know about the latest flu infections, including how serious they are, who is most vulnerable and how to minimise risk.
1. How serious are flu infections in the city?
The latest statistics from the Centre for Health Protection showed 47 people came down with severe flu between April 9 and 15 and that 20 of them had died.
