Beijing, China — China’s flu season is taking a turn for the better, as health officials report a slowdown in flu cases nationwide, dropping below 2024 levels. Hu Qiangqiang, spokesperson for the National Health Commission (NHC), announced that the rate of positive flu tests increased by 3.8 percent, a figure lower than the same period last year.
“Current flu activity will gradually decrease later this month, although the situation may vary in different parts of the country,” Hu stated at a press conference on Sunday. The NHC, coordinating the response to the flu season, assures that medical resources are sufficient, with stable supply and production of essential medicines.
Amid rumors circulating on social media about a surge of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in December 2024, experts have debunked claims labeling HMPV as a “new virus.” This virus has been known since researchers discovered it in the early 2000s. Authorities emphasize the importance of relying on accurate information and urge the public not to believe unfounded reports.
Parents are advised to take precautions to protect their children from respiratory illnesses, especially in northern China, where winter ailments are common. “From our observations at Beijing Children’s Hospital, there is no abnormal increase in patient numbers,” said Xu Baoping, a senior doctor at the hospital. Xu noted that patient visits in the past two months have been lower than those of last year.
“Children recovering from one flu strain may still contract another,” Xu warned. “Although the flu symptoms are gone, the child’s immune system takes longer to recover.”
Wang Liping, a research fellow at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), confirmed that no new infectious diseases have emerged in the country. “Influenza is currently the primary cause of visits to healthcare institutions for patients with acute respiratory infections,” Wang explained. Data indicates that influenza intensity remains moderate in most provinces, and with schools entering winter holidays, a decline in flu activity is expected in mid to late January.
NHC official Gao Xinqiang acknowledged an increase in visits to fever clinics and emergency departments but emphasized that the numbers are below those of the same period last year. Gao assured that there has been no notable shortage of medical resources. Since October 2024, the NHC has collaborated with China CDC and other authorities to implement plans, conduct regular monitoring, and mobilize resources nationwide to ensure medical services remain steady and orderly.
As flu activity slows, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, encouraging the public to stay informed and take preventive measures to stay healthy during the flu season.
Reference(s):
Flu surge in China declines below 2024 levels, health official says
cgtn.com
