Mike Kwan Yat-wah, an honorary clinical associate professor of pediatrics and adolescent medicine at the University of Hong Kong, told a radio program on Monday that the number of children hospitalized for respiratory virus infections was on the rise.

He said the children were being infected with all sorts of viruses including the respiratory syncytial virus, flu virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and enterovirus.

He also said some premature babies even required intensive care due to the infections and had to stay in hospitals for up to two weeks.

“Many of the children were infected by the adults at home…citizens should maintain good personal hygiene including washing their hands more frequently,” said Kwan, adding that parents should seek medical attention for their kids should their condition deteriorate.

Meanwhile, Kwan said respiratory syncytial virus infection commonly peaks during Winter and in early Spring, but due to global warming, the activity of the virus is maintained almost all year round.