by Oh Jooyean
Published 12 Jan.2025 18:32(KST)
Updated 13 Jan.2025 07:33(KST)
Chinese health authorities have stated that the recent upward trend in influenza (flu) cases has weakened and no problems have arisen within the healthcare system.
Hu Changchang, spokesperson for the National Health Commission of China, said at a briefing on the 12th, "Monitoring results show that influenza in the first week of 2025 is in the seasonal epidemic period, and the upward trend in influenza virus prevalence has slowed down."
He added, "The prevalence in nationwide outpatient influenza sentinel cases increased by 3.8% compared to the previous week, which is lower than the same period last year," and "Influenza activity levels are expected to gradually decrease in mid to late this month."
He noted, "There are differences in influenza activity levels by province," and added, "Currently, there is no clear congestion in medical resources, and the production, supply, and stock of key medicines are generally normal."
Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, explained, "This is a season when respiratory infectious diseases frequently occur, and various pathogens can cause respiratory infections," adding, "Influenza is currently the main disease among respiratory infection patients in medical institutions, and the epidemic intensity is moderate in most provinces."
He also stated that the dominant influenza virus strain circulating in China is the 'Type A H1N1 subtype,' and that vaccination and drug treatment are effective.
Researcher Wang emphasized, "'Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)' is by no means a new virus and has been with humanity for decades," adding, "Currently, there are fluctuations in HMPV prevalence, with positivity rates decreasing in northern regions and among those aged 14 and under."
He further reported that the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity rate has shown fluctuations and increases in the 0?4 age group, while positivity rates for rhinovirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and adenovirus are on a declining trend. He also mentioned, "Other respiratory viruses, including the COVID-19 virus, show relatively low epidemic levels." He concluded, "Overall, this winter and spring will see alternating or overlapping epidemic trends, but all are caused by already known pathogens, and no new infectious diseases have emerged," adding, "The overall epidemic intensity and medical pressure are not expected to be higher than last year."
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