Health Officials Advise Vigilance, Vaccination, and Continued Hygiene Practices

Respiratory Illness Spread Declines in China, but Flu Season Continues

While the spread of respiratory infectious diseases in China has begun to decline, the nation has not yet passed its seasonal flu period, according to health experts and authorities.

Data from the week of January 13th to 19th showed a decrease in the ratio of flu-like cases among hospital visits compared to the previous week. The positivity rate for influenza and mycoplasma pneumoniae has also been falling steadily, along with the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens.

"Overall, the activities of influenza flu and other respiratory pathogens have become less intense, and the epidemic level of respiratory illnesses is falling," said Chen Cao, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention.

Hospitals have also observed a significant downward trend in outpatient visits for influenza. "Monitoring data shows that flu levels had peaked around late December and early January and have been falling gradually since then to reach regular levels at present," said Chen Wenhui, chief physician at China-Japan Friendship Hospital.

Mi Feng, spokesman for the National Health Commission, confirmed that all circulating pathogens in China are known strains, and no new pathogens have been detected.

Despite the decline in flu cases, China remains in its winter and spring flu season, which typically lasts from November to February or March. Health officials advise the public to maintain good personal hygiene, including wearing masks in hospitals, on public transportation, and in crowded spaces, as well as washing hands frequently.

Flu vaccination is still recommended, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses. With the Spring Festival holiday approaching, health officials also suggest intensifying ventilation in indoor spaces and avoiding crowds or gatherings if experiencing fever or coughing.