Better to be safe than sorry on Hong Kong Covid and flu front
- As city enters peak flu season with Covid-19 cases once more on the rise, now is the time to remember health lessons and get vaccinated
After months of warning, Hong Kong’s peak winter flu season is upon us just as Covid-19 infections start to rise again. Everyone should do their part and heed the advice of health officials about getting vaccinated and observing proper hygiene.
The healthcare system is already showing signs of strain. Waiting times of up to eight hours are being experienced at accident and emergency departments in some public hospitals.
The admission rate for patients with a principal flu diagnosis has exceeded a threshold that signals the start of a peak period.
The length and severity of the flu season are not yet known, but Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau has said case numbers could reach their limit in January or February. Lo also said winter peaks typically lasted until March, inferring it was still worthwhile to get a flu jab that may help cut the risk of serious illness.
Flu vaccination coverage rates among residents aged between six months and 18 years, as well as among those aged 65 or over, have risen by 39 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively, compared with last year. However, about half of those in these age groups remain unvaccinated.
As for Covid-19, the viral load detected in sewage samples surged by about 40 per cent between December 24 and 30 compared with the week before. While authorities said serious or fatal Covid cases had not registered a significant increase, those at high risk were advised to receive booster jabs.
The government has procured 200,000 doses of the XBB vaccine with priority jabs available to high-risk groups, but vaccination rates among young and old remain disappointingly low.
Hong Kong enters winter flu season as number of outbreaks double in a week
Pandemic fatigue is no excuse to allow years of practice in fighting Covid to go to waste. Instead of using the experience to our benefit, far too many Hongkongers have fallen back into old habits – ignoring advice about covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, wearing masks as necessary and staying home to recover when ill.
Authorities have confirmed they do not plan to reintroduce masking rules, border testing or orders for people to get vaccinated. The onus is on each of us to do our part.
