4th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) As the flu season peaks, experts are advising parents to ensure their children receive influenza vaccinations ahead of the Lunar New Year. Professor Ivan Hung, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Hong Kong, highlighted that children as young as six months can receive the flu jab.
In a recent radio interview, Hung stressed the importance of personal hygiene alongside vaccination. “Children at school should frequently wash their hands,” he advised. “If they exhibit flu symptoms, they should stay home. However, those with mild symptoms could wear a mask and still attend school.”
Hung noted that a significant number of individuals returning from Japan have reported flu-like symptoms, likely due to the colder winter temperatures there. “For those returning from overseas, if they show influenza symptoms, they should consult a doctor and consider a rapid test,” he recommended.
He also mentioned that flu symptoms in children are typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or nasal decongestants. “I advise children to stay home until they have fully recovered before returning to school,” he added.
Hung anticipates an increase in flu cases, particularly among children under five, leading to potential outbreaks in kindergartens and primary schools. He believes that while this year’s flu season may not be as severe as last year, the possibility of simultaneous outbreaks of different flu strains remains.
He urged the public not to underestimate the seriousness of influenza and to take preventive measures, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. “It’s still not too late to get vaccinated before the Chinese New Year,” he concluded.
