 |
| The elderly are among those who should get jabbed ahead of the onset of flu season (File) |
An infectious disease expert has called on high-risk individuals, especially seniors, children who never had influenza and those with underlying illnesses to get flu vaccines as soon as possible.
Ivan Hung, a professor in infectious diseases at
Hong Kong University, said in a radio interview Sunday that the influenza season
may surge in December, and may even peak twice.
 |
| I-CLICK DITO |
Hung said the first surge will likely be driven by
influenza A subtype H3 and the second, by H1.
He said that it takes about two to three weeks after
vaccination for the immune response to develop, so it is important for
high-risk individuals to get it done now to avoid getting caught in the
expected peak in December.
Hung said parents of children who are afraid of
injections may opt to use nasal spray vaccines which are equally effective, but
are not recommended for pregnant women or those with immune deficiencies.
 |
| PINDUTIN DITO |
Asked about the possibility of the coronavirus
peaking at the same time, Hung said that while it remains highly contagious, it
is no longer as destructive as it used to be. But he sees it peaking slightly
during the winter.
Hung also urged caution amid a spike in the number
of dengue cases in Hong Kong lately, which he said could be due to climate
change.
 |
| Basahin ang detalye! |
As there is no dengue fever vaccine available in
Hong Kong nor are there specific treatments, he said it is important for the
public to take preventive measures like avoiding areas with dense vegetation, and
dumping stagnant water.
 |
