The recent surge in seasonal influenza cases in China has led to a heightened demand for the antiviral medication baloxavir marboxil, marketed under the brand name Xofluza. Health experts have cautioned against stockpiling the drug or administering it to children without consulting a doctor.

Xofluza is approved for use in adults and children aged 5 years and older. While the original market price per strip of Xofluza, containing two 20-milligram tablets, is 222 yuan ($30) in China, the prescription drug is currently being sold for over 300 yuan on some e-commerce platforms.

Sun Boyang, a pharmacist at Peking University People's Hospital, explained that Xofluza is easier to administer compared to oseltamivir, another common flu medication. However, he emphasized the importance of consulting a doctor before taking any medication, including Xofluza.