In Hong Kong, the influenza season is showing no signs of abating as the number of infections continues to rise. Professor David Hui, a renowned expert in respiratory diseases from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, has expressed concerns that the current winter flu peak may extend well into the summer season, leading to consecutive outbreaks of the flu.
During a recent television appearance, Professor Hui highlighted the changing patterns of flu outbreaks in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally, the winter flu season in Hong Kong occurs from January to March, while the summer season spans from July to September, lasting for approximately 10 to 14 weeks. However, this year has seen an early surge in cases of influenza A (H3N2) starting from the second week, and the outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in February and March has yet to subside.
Of particular note, popular destinations such as Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan, which are frequently visited by residents of Hong Kong, have recently witnessed a shift in the dominant flu virus type from influenza A to influenza B. Professor Hui anticipates that if these flu strains spread to Hong Kong, they could trigger another wave of influenza B outbreaks, further prolonging the peak period.
The situation is a cause for concern as it places additional strain on the healthcare system and poses risks to public health. Health authorities in Hong Kong are closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to mitigate the spread of the flu. It is important for individuals to practice good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and wearing masks, and to seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms.
As the influenza season continues to unfold, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and follow the guidance of healthcare professionals to protect themselves and others from the flu.
香港面臨持續高峰的流感季節，個案數量不斷上升，據許維新教授警告
香港目前的流感季節仍然沒有任何減緩的跡象，感染人數持續上升。香港中文大學呼吸系統疾病專家許維新教授表示擔憂，目前的冬季流感高峰可能會延伸到夏季季節，進而引發連續的流感爆發。
許維新教授在一個電視節目中指出，COVID-19疫情爆發後，流感爆發的模式已經發生了變化。傳統上，香港的冬季流感季節從一月持續到三月，夏季流感季節則從七月延續到九月，約持續10至14週。然而，今年從第二週開始就出現了流感A（H3N2）的早期爆發，而二、三月份的流感A（H1N1）爆發仍未消退。
值得注意的是，新加坡、日本和台灣等熱門旅遊目的地最近出現了流感病毒類型從流感A轉變為流感B的趨勢，而這些地方經常被香港居民造訪。許維新教授預計，如果這些流感病毒株傳播到香港，可能會引發另一波流感B爆發，進一步延長高峰期。
這種情況令人擔憂，增加了醫療系統的負擔，對公共衛生構成風險。香港衛生部門正在密切監測情況，並實施措施以防止流感的傳播。個人應該保持良好的衛生習慣，例如勤洗手、戴口罩，如果出現類似流感的症狀，應尋求醫療協助。
隨著流感季節的持續發展，公眾保持資訊和遵從醫療專業人員的指導，以保護自己和他人免受流感的傷害，是至關重要的。
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