This undated photo shows the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s health authorities have warned that there is a risk that respiratory tract infections will continue to rise this winter.

“In the recent six to seven weeks, we noticed there was a rising trend in a couple of common respiratory infections, including parainfluenza and adenovirus,” Dr Edwin Tsui, controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health said at a press conference on Friday.

“At present, we still notice there is a high proportion of rhinovirus and enterovirus infections in Hong Kong,” he added.

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Dr Tsui also pointed out that seasonal patterns of infections have been observed.

We also suspect there may be a chance of rising COVID-19 activity in the coming winter months.

Dr Edwin Tsui, Controller, Centre for Health Protection

For influenza, a winter surge lasting from January to April is expected, he said.

“We also suspect there may be a chance of rising COVID-19 activity in the coming winter months.”

In view of the infection risks, Dr Tsui called on citizens, in particular high-risk individuals, to get the COVID-19 booster jab as well as the seasonal flu vaccine.

People should also observe good personal and environmental hygiene, he stressed, noting that those suffering from respiratory symptoms should wear a mask when going to crowded places.

For families with children and the elderly, he advised: “I sincerely remind all those family members to take care of your elders and children at home - especially if they have not received any flu vaccines or COVID-19 vaccinations - and to protect them.”

According to the Hospital Authority, the percentage of positive specimens for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children in the past three months was about 3.5 percent, with the number of admissions maintained at some 100 each month. 

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The center noted that this trend remains largely stable and has not reached the peak level seen in 2016 and 2019.

It added that meanwhile, the overall local seasonal flu and COVID-19 activities continued to remain at a low level.