The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today announced that Hong Kong has entered the seasonal influenza season, as local flu activity has surged past baseline levels.

Laboratory surveillance shows that influenza A (H3) is the predominant virus, accounting for 59% detected cases. This is followed by influenza A (H1) at 23% and influenza B at 18%.

Flu-like illness outbreaks in schools and institutions rose to 46 last week, nearly doubling the weekly average of 24 recorded over the previous four weeks.

Schools accounted for about 70% of these outbreaks, with primary schools making up around 70% of the school cases. Residential care homes for the elderly accounted for approximately 20% of the total outbreaks.

With flu activity expected to climb further, the CHP advises high-risk individuals to wear surgical masks in public places.

Separately, the CHP noted that community COVID-19 activity has risen steadily since May. Lineages descended from the JN.1 variant remain the dominant strains circulating locally.

Residents planning summer vacations abroad are urged to check the Department of Health’s Travel Health Service webpage before departure to review regional disease trends and take necessary health precautions.