On 21 January 2023 (the first day of the Lunar New Year), Nicola Cheung posted a family picture on social media to wish everybody a happy New Year, and revealed that her eldest daughter suffered from influenza A in December, which led to meningitis, scarlet fever, sepsis and even toxic shock more than 40 days ago. The family all planned for the worst when she was in a coma in the ICU of Queen Mary Hospital for more than ten days. It was a miraculous recovery of the daughter. Nicola thanked all the medical staff and felt very grateful for the togetherness of a family occasion during the festival. Paediatrician Dr Bosco Chan explains that the peak season for Influenza A is from December to March every year. Parents and children are advised to observe good hygiene to prevent infection or to take seasonal influenza vaccination to prevent the disease and serious complications.

Influenza A｜Beware of the peak season of influenza and recognise the symptom difference with colds.

Nicola’s eldest daughter, who just turned 14 and is pictured here in high spirits, had a close call with influenza A. Paediatric specialist Dr Bosco Chan says that the winter flu season peaks every year from December to March, and there is also a small summer peak from July to August.

Influenza A is a common respiratory virus. Symptoms include symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, cough, runny nose and sputum. Symptoms that differ greatly from the common cold include persistent high fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, etc. Cold and flu are generally treated for symptomatic relief, while influenza A can be treated with Tamiflu.

Influenza A can cause serious complications such as meningitis, myocarditis, etc. In the worst case, "necrotizing meningitis" has a mortality rate of 60% to 70%. He urges parents not to take influenza lightly, as the severity of the disease and the chance of complications are rapidly increased in the event of concurrent infection with COVID-19 and influenza.

Dr Chan explains that seasonal influenza vaccination is needed every year because influenza viruses change every year. The WHO estimates the type of influenza virus each year and produces the corresponding vaccine. The current vaccine protects against 2 influenza A viruses and 2 influenza B viruses.

Scarlet fever｜A bacterial infection that can be fatal

Nicola’s daughter suffered from both scarlet fever and sepsis. Dr Chan explained that scarlet fever was not a complication of Influenza A. Scarlet fever is a Streptococcus A infection that is transmitted by droplets or by contact with infected wounds or sores on the skin. When bacteria get into the blood, they may cause sepsis and shock, which can be fatal. This condition needs to be treated with antibiotics.

Influenza A｜Personal hygiene and vaccination for prevention

According to Dr Chan, the most important thing to prevent influenza is to pay acute attention to personal hygiene, especially during the epidemic when we have to avoid double infection. Vaccination is the most direct way to prevent influenza infection and serious complications.

Dr Bosco Chan, Specialist in Paediatrics