What you need to know about this year’s unusual winter flu surge in Hong Kong
Numerous school cases have sparked early closure ahead of the Lunar New year holiday, while experts warn of another outbreak on the horizon
Another year, another flu season. But how different is this one? Since the start of the year, more than 120 people, including two children, have died from serious flu complications in an unusually intense seasonal outbreak that is expected to last a few more months.
Flu outbreaks are common every year in the winter and summer, and in Hong Kong’s case, between January and March, and from July to August. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the flu?
Seasonal influenza, better known as the flu and not the same as the common cold, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and fatigue.
Most healthy adults recover within two weeks, but high-risk groups, especially children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses can develop complications such as infections of the upper or lower respiratory tracts or pneumonia. In the worst cases, it can result in death.
