COVID-19
COVID-19 is still a risk in Hong Kong.
Several people in Hong Kong have been infected with COVID-19, and the government has raised its response level to emergency, which is the highest level. As soon as you show signs, you may be taken to the hospital for more tests. If authorities think you’re infected, you might need to stay in the hospital or be kept away from other people. Keep an eye on your health and follow the advice of the people in your area.
Hong Kong has had a lot of COVID-19 cases, but it has very strong screening measures and a very good health care system.
If you want more information about Hong Kong’s COVID-19 vaccination programme, go to the Center for Health Protection.
You should talk to your local health care provider about vaccine options, as well as any help that might be available in your area.
The Australian government can’t give advice about vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia’s regulatory process. This means that the government can’t tell you about the vaccine’s safety, quality, or effectiveness.
Humidity
Hong Kong has a lot of humidity in the summer, from May to October, when the weather is hot.
Reduce your physical exertion and outdoor activities on days that are very humid.
A lot of pollution is entering the air.
People with bronchial, sinus, or asthma problems may get sick when there is a lot of air pollution.
If you already have heart or breathing problems, don’t do any physical or outdoor activities on days with a lot of pollution.
It’s possible to see real-time air quality index reports for Hong Kong on this site.
People who get sick from insects.
Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue, happen from time to time.
People in Hong Kong SAR are on “alert” for the Zika virus, which is when the government is ready to help. This is the lowest level in the three-tier alert system, which means that the immediate health effects on the people in the area aren’t very bad.
To keep yourself from getting sick:
Ensure that your home is insect-proof. It’s best to wear long, loose clothes that aren’t too tight.
If you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor about possible Zika virus risks before you go on a trip.
Diseases of the hands, feet, and mouth
Many people get a disease called hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Serious outbreaks happen from time to time. A lot of the time, outbreaks start in March or April and peak in May. Sometimes they last through October.
HFMD mostly affects children who are younger than 10 years old, but it can also happen in adults, especially young adults.
When people who are infected cough or sneeze, they spread HFMD.
Other health risks could happen.
Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases happen from time to time. These are:
To keep yourself from getting sick:
People who live in rural areas should drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids. People who live in cities should drink ice cubes instead.
If you have a fever or diarrhea, get help from a doctor.
The bird flu (avian influenza)
People in mainland China have caught avian influenza A (H7N9).
When it comes to the flu, the government in Hong Kong’s Special Administrative Region (SAR) is at an “alert” level. This includes avian influenza (H7N9). At this point in the 3-tier alert system, this is the least important.
To cut down on the risk:
Wash your hands a lot, use good food safety practices, and avoid getting too close to pets.
Respiratory syndrome in the Middle East, coronavirus
People in Hong Kong SAR are on “Alert” for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, which is caused by a virus (MERS-CoV). At this point in the 3-tier alert system, this is the least important.
People in Hong Kong’s Department of Health check for MERS-CoV at border crossing points.
There are public hospitals where people who arrive in or pass thru Hong Kong and have flu-like symptoms may be taken to get checked out. The person will be kept inside the hospital until they don’t have MERS-CoV.
