Stay wise to the rise of infectious diseases this winter

In Hong Kong, the seasons have changed and the stultifying humidity of summer is just a lingering memory. The switch to cooler days and nights means that it’s time to get our winter clothing and bedding out of storage, and pack away the summer garments and blankets. It’s a routine that’s familiar to us all.

But there’s something else we are likely familiar with: getting sick in the colder months. And now, with several new threats to public health looming on the horizon, as well as traditional seasonal illnesses lurking in the background, it pays to take extra care of yourself and your loved ones this winter.

One of the most common illnesses affecting old and young alike is influenza, aka the “flu”, which is at its most common in Hong Kong between January and March (the winter flu season). At some point in our lives, most of us will have experienced the aches, pains, headaches, fevers and other symptoms that herald a dose of the flu, and it’s no laughing matter. According to the World Health Organization, there are around a billion cases of seasonal influenza each year globally, with 3 to 5 million severe cases. Ultimately, flu causes between 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory-related deaths annually.

In Hong Kong, the government’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has already recorded over 600 cases of influenza in schools since the beginning of the academic year, which includes 13 severe or fatal cases. What’s more, the CHP has also revealed that a mutated strain of the virus is currently spreading in the city. Reports suggest that while the new strain doesn’t appear to cause more severe illness, it might be more transmissible than previous strains.

If this weren’t enough for people to worry about, we should always remember that COVID-19 has become an endemic disease, which means that it is constantly present in Hong Kong. An example that highlights how serious a threat COVID-19 still poses comes from earlier this year, when a one-year-old child was in a critical condition in hospital after contracting the virus.

A further threat to people’s health in Hong Kong is being posed by a mosquito-borne disease called the chikungunya virus. Symptoms are grim, and include fever and debilitating joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. In some cases the joint pain can persist for months or years, according to the CHP. What’s more, the virus is already here, with three local cases having been recorded in the city as of early November.

While the threats to our health seem alarmingly high, there are measures we can all take to minimise risk and protect ourselves. If the recent COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything at all, it is that we must maintain good public hygiene. Always wear a mask if you have a cough or are sneezing, and wash your hands regularly or use had sanitiser if you are using public transport.

When it comes to the flu, vulnerable people, such as children, pregnant women and the elderly should speak to their doctor about receiving the flu vaccine. Similarly with COVID-19, vulnerable individuals may consider getting vaccinated or arranging booster shots. And with chikungunya virus, avoid travelling to hot countries this winter where there are major outbreaks of the disease. If you are abroad, take preventative measures against mosquitos, such as using insect repellent and avoiding being outside at times when they are particularly active, such as at night.

A further measure to consider is purchasing a health insurance plan. MSIG offers a range of healthcare plans that are designed to protect you financially if you become ill or require hospitalisation as the result of an illness, providing peace of mind to you and your loved ones. So this winter, don’t leave anything to chance. Find the medical protection that meets your needs, and stay safe from unwanted seasonal illnesses.

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