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Cannix Yau

A teenager who fears dying young has narrowly escaped death twice this year after contracting influenza and respiratory virus infection, enduring what he described as his “most emotionally devastating breakdown”.
Chen Tsz-kin, 17, was diagnosed with an incurable muscle-wasting disease at the age of 18 months and was told that people with the condition had an average life expectancy of 18.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, he revealed that he had experienced two near-death episodes this year, including one in recent weeks.
He first battled influenza A for six months. Then, last month, he was hospitalised for three days after contracting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Chen experienced chest pain, a fever and flu-like symptoms, describing the latest episode as a serious setback in his life. An X-ray showed patchiness in his lungs, although he said it was not as serious as when he had influenza A.
“I just went through the most emotionally devastating breakdown of my life. The tears kept flowing, and it took me a full 10 minutes of non-stop crying just to slowly calm down,” he recalled.
“My mum said it was the first time she had ever seen me weep so heart-wrenchingly. In that moment, my will to fight the illness was incredibly low.
“Fortunately, thanks to antibiotics and an IV glucose drip, my body slowly recovered over the next three days.”

Chen was eventually discharged from the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit.
“Although my physical strength is still very weak right now, my mental state is stable. Thank you all for your care and concern,” he said, thanking his nursing team for their treatment and care.
His mother, Michelle Li Yuan-feng, told the South China Morning Post on Friday that Chen had become more confident about life after recovering from the latest infection.
“After this incident, Tsz-kin is more relaxed about the thought of death. His doctor said his condition is stable with no adverse impact so far. He needs a health check later,” she said.
She recalled that her heart ached as she watched her son endure the emotional breakdown.
“At that moment both Tsz-kin and I were gripped by fear. Tsz-kin hoped I could accompany him in the ICU, so I stayed beside him to provide some moral support. I’ve never seen him break down like this before,” she said.
"I was also worried, but deep down I am confident about Hong Kong’s medical care. I just encouraged him to feel OK to vent his emotions and cry out his worries."
Last year, Li said she knew it could be one of her last Mother’s Day celebrations with her son, who had planned to treat her to classic Cantonese charcoal-roasted goose for lunch.
According to the government, muscular dystrophy affects one in every 3,500 to 5,000 male newborns. It is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that leads to loss of mobility and deteriorating health, with patients dying from cardiac or respiratory failure.
Tsz-kin has undergone hospital check-ups for as long as he can remember and has used a wheelchair since he was nine. He takes as many as seven types of pills daily and must regularly attend therapy and acupuncture sessions.


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Chen Tsz-kin, who has been told people with his condition have an average life expectancy of 18, says he was recovering physically and had gained confidence after the latest health scare. Photo: Facebook

The 17-year-old has recovered from two serious respiratory illnesses this year, including a recent RSV infection that left him hospitalised and emotionally devastated. Photo: Facebook

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Chen Tsz-kin (left) with his mother Michelle Li. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Michelle Li and Chen Tsz-kin are hoping to visit Italy next. Photo: Jonathan Wong

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The CHP urges the public to remain vigilant during the flu season. Photo: Handout

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Students at a primary school in North Point. More than 85 per cent of Hong Kong infants and toddlers remain unvaccinated against the flu, an expert has said. Photo: Jelly Tse

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17-year-old with incurable disease says bouts of influenza A and RSV triggered emotionally devastating breakdown and fears of dying young


17-year-old with incurable disease says bouts of influenza A and RSV triggered emotionally devastating breakdown and fears of dying young.


Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Disease

Hong Kong children

Flu in Hong Kong

Hong Kong teen’s will to fight illness ‘incredibly low’ after near-death scares

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}17-year-old with incurable disease says bouts of influenza A and RSV triggered emotionally devastating breakdown and fears of dying young

17-year-old with incurable disease says bouts of influenza A and RSV triggered emotionally devastating breakdown and fears of dying young