Hong Kong’s flu season remains active and influenza is expected to continue circulating when the new school term begins, the Centre for Health Protection said. Schools could see outbreaks, prompting the Centre to remind schools and parents to take measures to limit transmission.
Hong Kong entered its flu season in late June. By August 30, the Centre said, 11 children had developed serious influenza infections: eight had recovered and been discharged, two were in critical condition and one had died.
The Centre said recent surveillance showed seasonal influenza activity remained high, with widespread community transmission in recent months. It said the number of infections had risen substantially and serious cases had increased as a result.
Through the Education Bureau, the Centre has written to all schools urging them to adopt appropriate infection-control measures. It said some young children might not have fully learned proper personal hygiene practices, while close contact could make it easier for infectious diseases to spread on school campuses.
Students and staff with respiratory symptoms, even mild ones, should wear a surgical mask, stay away from school or work and avoid crowded places, the Centre advised. They should seek medical attention early and pay attention to hand hygiene before and after putting on or removing a mask.
The Centre also urged schools and parents to join the 2026/27 seasonal influenza vaccination school outreach programme. For schools that do not participate, parents will be able to arrange vaccinations for their children at private doctors’ clinics taking part in the subsidised vaccination programme once vaccination begins.
Hand, foot and mouth disease activity had fallen to a low level from mid-August, but the Centre said sporadic outbreaks could still occur after schools reopen because of close contact among young children.