Hong Kong health authorities are issuing an intensified appeal for timely flu vaccinations, particularly among school-aged children, following the critical admission of a 13-year-old boy to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with a severe Influenza A infection. The case, confirmed by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on November 7, 2025, underscores the ongoing threat posed by the active seasonal influenza circulation, which remains persistent despite recent lower surveillance figures. The teenager, initially healthy, developed persistent fever starting October 24, followed by characteristic respiratory symptoms. After seeking acute care at a private institution, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to his transfer to Queen Mary Hospital’s PICU on November 6 where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and pleural effusion complications. He is currently listed in stable condition.
This incident is the latest in a troubling trend of severe pediatric influenza cases recorded this quarter. Since schools resumed in September, Hong Kong has seen 17 severe cases among children and adolescents ranging from 11 months to 17 years old, including one fatality. Alarmingly, 12 of these young patients had no pre-existing health issues, and 11 had not received the current seasonal flu vaccine, according to CHP data.
The highly contagious nature of the virus was evident in the contacts associated with the hospitalized boy. While one household member recovered from mild flu-like symptoms, four of his schoolmates also fell ill with respiratory symptoms; one required hospitalization before recovering and, like the teen, tested positive for Influenza A. The remaining three peers experienced mild illness that did not necessitate hospital admission. The CHP has advised the affected school to immediately enforce heightened infection control protocols and remains in active surveillance of the campus environment.
Flu Season Persistence and Public Health Advice
Despite late October figures showing a slight decrease in overall influenza activity—with the positivity rate of respiratory specimens dropping from roughly 12% to 8.73% and public hospital admissions declining marginally—health officials warn that the virus circulation remains high. Historically, Hong Kong often experiences a second, primary flu wave between January and March, suggesting the current elevated level could lead to further complications, especially as cooler weather approaches.
Public health experts stress that vaccination is the single most effective intervention to mitigate the risk of severe disease, complications, and death associated with influenza.
Key Actions for Residents:
- Vaccination Eligibility: All Hong Kong residents aged six months and older are strongly urged to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine promptly.
- High-Risk Groups: Individuals considered high-risk—including young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions or immunosuppression—must prioritize vaccination.
- Preventative Measures: High-risk individuals should continue to wear surgical masks in crowded communal settings.
- Symptom Management: Anyone, even those with mild respiratory symptoms (sore throat, cough, running nose), should don a mask, immediately seek medical consultation, and consider whether they should attend work or school to prevent community spread.
The recent cluster of severe pediatric cases serves as a crucial reminder that while many infections are mild, the capacity for influenza to cause life-threatening complications, even in previously healthy young people, requires urgent, widespread preventative action across the community.