World News: Hong Kong Says 75% of Adults Who Died of Flu Had Chronic Illness and Were Unvaccinated, with 90% of Severe Adult Cases Aged 65 or Over. Lessons for Senior Clubs
Last updated: 9 Nov 2026 | 9 Views |
World News: Hong Kong Says 75% of Adults Who Died of Flu Had Chronic Illness and Were Unvaccinated, with 90% of Severe Adult Cases Aged 65 or Over. Lessons for Senior Clubs
From Hong Kong: in early February 2025 Hong Kong's health chief said 75% of adults who died of flu had chronic illness and were unvaccinated, and 90% of severe adult cases were 65 or over. Thai senior clubs, whose members meet regularly, should learn from these numbers.
The True Story: Most Who Died Were Unvaccinated
Hong Kong's The Standard reported on 8 February 2025 that the flu season had 240 severe cases, and about 90% of severe adult cases were aged 65 or over.
Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health, said 75% of adults who died had chronic illnesses and were unvaccinated, while vaccination stood at about 50% among older people generally and about 80% in care home residents.
The Key Lesson: Unvaccinated Older People Are Most at Risk
Thai senior clubs meet weekly to sing, dance, exercise and eat together. Points to watch are:
- Club meeting rooms with AC and crowds
- Singing and dancing in close contact
- Snacks served from one dish
- Members with chronic conditions diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease
- Members not yet vaccinated
How Flu Spreads
According to the World Health Organization, seasonal influenza spreads easily where people gather, such as schools and nursing homes. It spreads through droplets when people cough or sneeze, and through hands that touch contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose or mouth. Most people recover within a week, but young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illness are at risk of severe disease. Influenza is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.
Risk Register for Senior Clubs
- Members unvaccinated: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: arrange vaccination with local clinics on club days. Owner: club president
- Sick members attend: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: ask feverish members to stay home and call to check. Owner: club committee
- Crowded AC meeting rooms: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: open windows or meet in airy spaces. Owner: club committee
- Food from shared dishes: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: plated portions and serving spoons. Owner: food team
- Rooms not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat after activities. Owner: venue owner
Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Senior Clubs
- Arrange vaccination on club days
- Ask feverish members to stay home
- Hold activities in airy spaces
- Plate food and use serving spoons
- Place hand gel at the entrance
- Call to check on absent members
- Fog and ozone-treat rooms after activities
How ULV Disinfection Fogging Helps
The World Health Disinfection disinfection service uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot reach.
- Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
- Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
- Uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page
- The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
- Report and photos after the job for customers, management or authorities
- Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies
Ozone Treatment for Closed Rooms and Stuffy Spaces
The World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service uses machines that generate ozone gas from oxygen in the air. It suits closed rooms such as meeting rooms, bedrooms, classrooms, sick bays and vans, helping reduce germs in the air and on surfaces and removing stale odours. Ozone breaks back down into oxygen after treatment, leaving no residue.
- Works alongside disinfection fogging: spray or wipe surfaces first, then use ozone for the air and corners of closed rooms
- No people or pets in the room during treatment: the team seals the room and runs a timer
- Ventilate after treatment before normal use resumes
- Machines tested by Intertek, according to WHD's service page
- Ideal after someone has been ill, such as recovered patients' rooms, shared bedrooms and shuttle vans
Before and After
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were most of Hong Kong's flu deaths? A: 75% of adults who died had chronic illness and were unvaccinated, per the 8 February 2025 report.
Q: How old were severe adult cases? A: About 90% were 65 or over.
Q: Does the fogging disinfectant work on flu? A: The team uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page, and influenza is an enveloped virus that suitable disinfectants can inactivate. Fogging does not replace vaccination or handwashing.
Q: Can I enter the room right after ozone treatment? A: No one should be in the room during treatment. Ventilate afterwards before normal use; the team will advise the right time for the room size.
Q: Can clubs or foundations get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.
Related Links and Sources
Prevent Flu with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment
Real figures from Hong Kong show vaccines and prevention save older lives. Clubs that look after each other let members meet happily and safely. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for club meeting rooms and dining rooms, and the ozone treatment service for activity rooms after activities. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.
Keywords: Hong Kong flu, elderly flu, senior club, elderly vaccination, meeting room disinfection, activity room ozone treatment
