Hong Kong Flu

The Hong Kong Flu was a category 2 flu pandemic caused by Influenza A with a subtype of H3N2 that descended from H2N2 by antigenic shift, in which genes from multiple subtypes re-assorted to form a new virus. The Hong Kong Flu pandemic of 1968 and 1969 infected an estimated 500,000 people with a low death rate. Fifty million people were infected in the United States, resulting in an estimated 34,000 deaths.

Both the H2N2 and H3N2 pandemic flu strains contained genes from avian influenza viruses. The new subtypes arose in pigs co-infected with avian and human viruses and were soon transferred to humans. Swine were considered the original "intermediate host" for influenza, because they supported re-assortment of divergent subtypes. However, other hosts appear capable of similar co-infection (e.g., many poultry species), and direct transmission of avian viruses to humans is possible.

The Hong Kong flu strain shared internal genes and the neuraminidase with the 1957 Asian Flu (H2N2). Accumulated antibodies to the neuraminidase or internal proteins may have resulted in much fewer casualties than most pandemics.

Symptoms of this flu is similar to common influenza, including Headache, Fever, Chills, Sneezing, Runny nose, Nasal inflammation, Blocked nose, Dry cough, Sore throat, Body aches, Muscle aches, Limb pain, Joint pain, Loss of appetite, and Myalgia. However, it may progress and lead to serious complications.


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