As the new school year begins, health officials are warning of the increased risk of viral respiratory infections, with the peak of the flu season expected in the next two months.
The number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections has risen in the past few weeks compared with last year, Centre for Health Protection controller Dr Thomas Tsang Ho-fai said yesterday.
The virus mainly infects young children aged two and three, and there is a risk of outbreaks in kindergartens and nurseries, he warned.
Infection can lead to pneumonia or bronchitis and cause death in some cases. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sneezing and wheezing.
'It is usually difficult to distinguish the kind of respiratory infection by the symptoms. So, parents, don't take any risks. Go and consult a doctor,' Tsang said. There were 114 cases of RSV infection in the week to August 20 and he expected the trend to continue. There would normally be fewer than 100 cases a week.
The summer seasonal flu peaked in July and August last year, but levels have remained low in the past two months, and the peak is not expected until next month or in October.
