Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that poses a significant health risk, particularly during Hong Kong’s flu season. Despite its potential dangers, survey data reveals a concerning trend: among 2,452 respondents, only 29.1%-have received the influenza vaccine.Most of those vaccinated are either children or elderly individuals. At the same time, many middle-aged and young adults underestimate the severity of the flu or mistakenly believe their natural immunity is enough to protect them.
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Flu cases in Hong Kong can be severe. As of May 8, 2024, there have been 676 severe influenza cases and 409 fatalities -since the start of the 2023-24 winter flu season. Low vaccination rates can result in higher transmission rates, putting more pressure on healthcare systems and increasing the risk of severe outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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Why Do You Need a Flu Shot?
Influenza viruses, particularly Influenza Aand Influenza B, are prevalent in Hong Kong during flu season. These viruses can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. In some cases, complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and worsening of chronic medical conditions can occur.
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Vaccination is a crucial defense against these viruses. It helps protect you by significantly reducing the risk of getting the flu. Even if you contract the virus, the vaccine can help ensure your symptoms are milder and less likely to lead to severe complications. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection by 60%, which is vital in protecting yourself from potential hospitalizations and severe health issues.
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Beyond personal protection, getting vaccinated also helps protect your family and the community. Vaccination contributes to herd immunity, which safeguards those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, such as severe allergies or weakened immune systems.
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Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
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Vulnerable Populations: Adults Over 65 and Young Children
Older adults (over 65) and young children are particularly susceptible to severe flu complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, dehydration, or acute respiratory distress. In older adults, the flu can also worsen chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, leading to life-threatening situations. The flu can rapidly progress to severe respiratory infections for young children with developing immune systems.
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Young and Middle-Aged Adults
Even with a robust immune system, young and middle-aged adults are not immune to the dangers of the flu. The flu can cause severe symptoms, such as high fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, disrupting daily life and leading to complications like secondary bacterial infections, including pneumonia and sinusitis. Furthermore, healthy adults can be carriers of the virus, unknowingly spreading it to more vulnerable individuals, such as older adults, young children, or those with weakened immune systems. By getting vaccinated, young and middle-aged adults protect themselves from potentially serious illnesses and help break the chain of transmission, playing a vital role in community health.
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Patients with Asthma or Respiratory Illnesses
Individuals with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions face higher risks during flu season. A mild flu infection can trigger severe asthma attacks, causing significant airway inflammation and breathing difficulties. For those with chronic bronchitis, the flu can worsen symptoms like persistent coughing and mucus production, increasing the risk of secondary bacterial infections.
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The flu can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, which poses a significant threat to those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. In severe cases, influenza can escalate to acute respiratory distress or respiratory failure, requiring hospitalization or intensive care. These potential complications highlight the severe risks the flu presents to those with underlying respiratory issues.
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What to Avoid After the Flu Shot
After receiving a flu shot, most people can resume normal activities without issues. The vaccine is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or mild aches.
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If You Have Prolonged Side Effects
You should contact a healthcare provider if you experience prolonged side effects, such as high fever or severe headache. You should watch for symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cough, which may warrant medical attention. Some may have concerns about using over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil to manage minor post-influenza vaccine symptoms. Consult a doctor to clarify any misconceptions about pain relief after vaccination.
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Where Can You Get a Flu Vaccine in Hong Kong, and How Much Does It Cost?
Flu vaccines can be administered in both public and private healthcare institutions. Some private practitioners are affiliated with the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS), which allows eligible people to receive subsidies for their influenza vaccines.
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Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS)
The Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) subsidises HK$ 260 per dose for eligible individuals. These include pregnant women, the elderly 65 years or older this year, and others.
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Protect You and Your Family with Blue Care
At Blue Care, we offer Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccination programs for ages starting from 6 months and older. Our expert medical team can administer vaccinations for you and your family at our convenient
locations in Central or Kwun Tong. Preferential rates are provided to those who subscribe to the medical check-up plan together with the preventive vaccines at Blue Care Medical Centre.
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The Influenza Vaccine: Your Pathway to Protection
Getting vaccinated against influenza is more than just a personal health decision—it's a vital step in protecting the wider community. With low vaccination rates in Hong Kong and significant risks posed by the flu, particularly to vulnerable groups, it is crucial for everyone, including healthy adults, to recognise the benefits of the flu vaccine. By choosing to get vaccinated, you reduce your risk of severe illness, safeguard those around you, and help alleviate the strain on healthcare systems. This flu season, take action to protect yourself and others—consider getting your flu shot today.
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Remarks:
1. Source：National Library of Medicine (2020) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7482890/
2. Source：Centre for health protection (2024) https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/covid_flux_week18_9_5_2024_chi.pdf
3. Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (2016)
4. Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2022)
5. Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2024)
