As the weather begins to turn cold, we are entering peak flu season. The number of flu cases continues to rise, and children are also getting infected in high-risk places like kindergartens and primary schools, causing great concern for parents. Paediatrician Dr. Chan Yan Wing emphasised that due to the communal nature of school life, viruses can spread easily among students, greatly increasing the probability of flu transmission, and therefore we need to take appropriate preventive measures.
1 to 4-day incubation period
Dr. Chan Yan-wing further explained that humans can be infected by three types of seasonal influenza viruses, classified as types A, B, and C. He stated, "Seasonal influenza (flu) is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Influenza A is a type of influenza virus with an incubation period of one to four days. In Hong Kong, influenza A and B are more common. Additionally, there are two peaks in the local flu season, one from January to March or April each year, and another in July and August. The main flu season in Hong Kong is winter, while the summer flu season is relatively shorter and less severe in terms of flu activity."
Dr Chan pointed out that the symptoms of influenza A and B are very similar, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. Some patients may also experience symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. The cough may persist for a longer period, but fever and other symptoms usually resolve naturally within five to seven days. As the symptoms of influenza A and B are difficult to distinguish, it is recommended that people who feel unwell should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Severe, may cause complications
Furthermore, because children have lower immunity, their conditions may be more severe. They may develop bronchitis or pneumonia, and can even experience complications such as encephalitis, encephalopathy, myocarditis or pericarditis. In the most severe cases, these illnesses can lead to death. Dr. Chan said, "These lesions are not only caused by Influenza A or B, but many other viruses can also trigger encephalopathy or brain necrosis, such as parainfluenza."
Doctors may prescribe Tamiflu based on the child's condition to alleviate symptoms and shorten the illness. If a patient's flu symptoms persist or worsen, they should seek medical attention immediately, refrain from going to work or school, and ensure they get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
Dr Chan recommends that everyone aged six months or over, except for those with known contraindications, should receive the flu vaccine to protect their health. It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body after vaccination to protect against the flu. You can find more information aboutChildhood Vaccination Programmeinformation
5 tips for preventing flu:
- It is recommended to get the seasonal flu vaccine, as it is effective in preventing seasonal flu and its complications.
- Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, for example, by washing your hands frequently.
- Try to avoid crowded places.
- If you develop respiratory infection symptoms, you should wear a mask and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and sufficient rest.
Source: GoStudy.HK (23 November 2023):https://bit.ly/47DRcX7
