Summer flu season in Hong Kong remains unusually active
Hong Kong is experiencing a notably intensified summer flu season, with health officials warning that the surge could extend into November. Edwin Tsui Lok-kin, the controller of the Centre for Health Protection, reported that the city recorded about 70 outbreaks weekly over the past month, far exceeding the roughly 15 outbreaks seen at last winter’s peak. The data signals a highly active virus this season and has prompted renewed emphasis on vaccination and preventive measures.
Why the season could overlap with winter influenza
Tsui explained that winter influenza typically escalates as temperatures drop, but this year’s activity suggests the two flu seasons may overlap. “Winter influenza will begin when the weather turns cold. The two flu seasons are likely to overlap,” he said. This overlap could lead to a larger pool of infected individuals and a heightened risk of widespread outbreaks, particularly in settings with close contact such as schools and workplaces.
Impact on schools and young people
The surge is hitting educational institutions hard. As of this week, about 390 school outbreaks have been recorded since September, primarily in primary and secondary schools, affecting more than 3,000 students and staff. Health officials are monitoring the situation closely and reinforcing infection control measures in schools, including ventilation improvements, hand hygiene campaigns, and targeted vaccination drives where available.
Vaccination: a critical line of defense
Officials reiterate the importance of vaccination for reducing illness severity and transmission. The government’s 2024-25 seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) programme has been in place, but concerns remain about protection for the current 2025-26 season. Health authorities advise residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible to bolster community immunity, especially for high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions.
A tragic reminder: a paediatric death
Hong Kong’s summer surge comes with a sobering reminder. Over the weekend, the city reported its first paediatric flu-related death of the season: a 13-year-old girl who had not received the current season’s vaccination. She studied at TWGHs Wong Fung Ling College in Ma On Shan. While she had been vaccinated in the 2024-25 season, she did not receive the 2025-26 vaccine. The case underscores that vaccination remains a critical protective tool, even as communities grapple with atypical flu patterns.
Public health guidance for residents
In light of the ongoing activity, residents are encouraged to:
– Seek vaccination promptly if eligible, and complete the recommended dosing schedule.
– Practice routine hygiene, including handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
– Use masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces if concerned about illness spread.
– Monitor local health advisories for updates on outbreaks, school absences, and vaccination campaigns.
Looking ahead
Public health officials say vigilance remains essential as the weather shifts and the flu season potentially overlaps with colder months. While vaccines provide strong protection, reducing transmission ultimately depends on sustained adherence to preventive practices and high vaccination uptake across the community.
