China Sees Decline in Respiratory Disease Spread, Researcher Reports

During a recent news conference, a prominent researcher from China's National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention announced that there has been a significant downturn in the spread of respiratory illnesses. The reduction was highlighted by comparing data from January 13 to 19 with figures from the previous week, showing that the percentage of hospital visits for flu-like symptoms has decreased.

The researcher pointed out a consistent decline in the positivity rates for both influenza and mycoplasma pneumoniae, indicating that the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens is lower than before. He underscored that this reduction reflects an overall drop in respiratory illness activity across the country.

Despite the positive trend, health officials noted that China is still in a period commonly associated with the highest rates of influenza, lasting from November to March. Consequently, they emphasized the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene, such as wearing masks in crowded areas and hospitals, and encouraged individuals—especially the elderly, children, and those with chronic conditions—to get vaccinated.

Additionally, a spokesperson from the National Health Commission reassured the public that all circulating strains are known, and there have been no indications of any new pathogens emerging.