HONG KONG – Hong Kong actress Lisa Lau Sze-hei, known for her role as “Yang Yang” in the popular television sitcom Come Home Love: Lo and Behold, recently disclosed a severe bout of respiratory illness that has led to temporary voice loss. Sharing a candid social media video from a hospital bed, the distressed star detailed her debilitating symptoms, referring to the affliction as the so-called “mute strain.”
Lau posted an update to her followers showing her with visibly dark circles under her eyes, explaining that she had been unable to speak for three consecutive days. The actress humorously speculated that her condition might be divine retribution for being “too talkative” normally.
Severe Symptoms Underscore Viral Intensity
In the video, Lau’s voice was barely a rasp, underscoring the severity of her symptoms. She expressed fear over potentially losing her voice permanently, highlighting the intensity of contemporary viruses.
“These germs are truly vicious now,” Lau stated, her voice extremely hoarse. “I haven’t been able to speak for three days. Will I just be mute like this?”
Beyond the laryngitis, which has rendered verbal communication impossible, Lau reported that continuous coughing spells have severely disrupted her sleep for multiple nights, contributing to her severe fatigue and dark eye circles. She pointed out that one of the most frustrating side effects of the illness has been her inability to use the phone, further compounding her sense of helplessness while isolated during recovery.
The Rise of Post-Pandemic Respiratory Viruses
While Lau’s specific diagnosis was not disclosed, her experience mirrors that of many individuals globally who are facing persistent, aggressive respiratory viruses weeks after contracting common colds or influenza-like illnesses. Healthcare professionals note that recent viral strains seem particularly potent, causing prolonged symptoms, including persistent coughing, fatigue, and severe vocal cord inflammation.
The term “mute strain,” often used colloquially on social media, typically describes common upper respiratory infections—ranging from advanced colds to flu or even variations of COVID-19—where the primary symptom is severe laryngitis and profound loss of voice. These symptoms occur when inflammation of the larynx, or voice box, prevents the vocal cords from vibrating normally to produce sound.
For performers and public figures like Lau, whose profession relies heavily on vocal delivery, such an illness presents not only a personal hardship but a professional setback. Production schedules often rely on the health of key actors, meaning a prolonged recovery could impact the filming of Come Home Love: Lo and Behold.
Taking Action During Vocal Recovery
Health experts emphasize that rest is the single most critical factor for recovering from laryngeal inflammation. To protect the vocal cords during recovery, individuals suffering from similar symptoms should adhere to several key guidelines:
- Vocal Rest: Avoid speaking entirely, including whispering, which can strain damaged vocal cords more than low-volume speaking.
- Hydration: Keep the vocal cords moist by drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier.
- Manage Coughing: Use prescribed cough suppressants to minimize irritation that prevents healing.
Lau’s public sharing serves as a potent reminder of the resilience required to navigate illness, even for those in the spotlight. Her candid update highlights the ongoing necessity for vigilance amid the current climate of circulating respiratory illnesses, urging fans to prioritize their health and vocal rest should they contract similar infections.
