Respiratory Diseases Decline in China, but Flu Season Continues

Recent observations indicate that the transmission of respiratory infectious diseases in China is starting to decrease, according to health officials and experts. Despite this positive trend, the nation is still navigating through its seasonal flu period, which typically runs from November through February or March. Researcher Chen Cao from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention noted that during the week of January 13 to 19, the number of flu-like cases among hospital visits showed a reduction compared to the previous week.

He further mentioned that the positivity rates for influenza and mycoplasma pneumoniae have been consistently declining, marking a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens. The overall intensity of influenza activities and other respiratory diseases is also said to be diminishing, reflecting a diminishing epidemic level in the country. Chen Wenhui, a chief physician at China-Japan Friendship Hospital, confirmed that the hospital has observed a significant decrease in outpatient visits related to influenza, with monitoring data suggesting that flu activity peaked in late December and early January before gradually falling back to regular levels.

Mi Feng, the spokesperson for the National Health Commission, assured that all circulating pathogens in China are of known strains, with no new strains reported. Nonetheless, Chen Cao cautioned that the country is still within its winter and spring flu season. He emphasized the necessity for the public to adopt good hygiene practices, which includes wearing masks in crowded public spaces and washing hands after touching commonly used facilities. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of flu vaccinations for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic conditions. With the Spring Festival holiday approaching, he also advised increasing ventilation in indoor settings and minimizing crowd interactions for those experiencing symptoms like fever or cough.