China Releases New Influenza Treatment Plan for 2025
The Chinese government has released its 2025 Influenza Diagnosis and Treatment Plan, aiming to standardize practices in medical institutions nationwide. The plan introduces two new anti-influenza drugs, marbaloxavir and favipiravir, while removing amantadine and rimantadine.
The plan lists six anti-influenza drugs available in China, including oseltamivir, peramivir, and zanamivir. Marbaloxavir, an RNA polymerase inhibitor approved in China in 2021, should not be used for children under 5, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women. Favipiravir, another RNA polymerase inhibitor approved in 2020, is effective against influenza but is primarily used for adults when other treatments are ineffective.
The removal of amantadine and rimantadine aligns with clinical needs. Li Tongzeng, chief physician at Beijing YouAn Hospital's infectious disease department, cautions the public against relying excessively on popular medications for influenza treatment. Proper use of appropriate drugs and adequate rest are crucial for recovery.
The 2025 plan provides detailed updates compared to its 2020 predecessor, including refined pathology and clinical manifestations of influenza in children and the elderly, new classification standards for mild and moderate cases, and comprehensive guidelines for antiviral treatments and supportive care.
For the first time, the plan explicitly states that antiviral drugs with the same mechanism should not be combined and dosages should not be increased unnecessarily. "The new plan offers stronger guidance for antiviral treatment, further ensuring patient safety," Li said.
In December 2024, influenza activity was high across China. The positive rate for influenza-like illness rose from 4.5 percent in mid-November to 28.6 percent in late December, with reported cases climbing from 713 to 4,883. Influenza A (H1N1) accounted for over 99 percent of cases, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
10 Comments
Rotfront
The involvement of medical professionals in the plan's development is reassuring. It shows that the government is committed to evidence-based decision-making.
Matzomaster
The addition of two new anti-influenza drugs is encouraging. This gives doctors more options to treat patients effectively.
Karamba
This plan seems like it was created by bureaucrats, not actual doctors. It needs more real-world input.
Pupsik
Combining antivirals with the same mechanism sounds dangerous. This plan needs more research.
Marishka
It's great to see the government taking steps to standardize influenza treatment across the country. This will help ensure everyone gets the same high-quality care.
BuggaBoom
The plan's consideration of the needs of vulnerable populations is commendable. Everyone deserves access to quality care.
KittyKat
The plan's focus on preventing misuse of new drugs is important for public safety.
Loubianka
This plan seems like a band-aid solution. We need to address the root causes of why influenza is so prevalent.
Katchuka
This plan doesn't seem to take into account the needs of the most vulnerable populations, like the elderly and immunocompromised.
Noir Black
The plan's focus on antiviral treatment is important, but it's also encouraging to see mention of supportive care.