China is facing a significant flu outbreak, with expectations that activity will peak around mid-December. This assessment comes from Wang Dayan, a researcher at the China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), during a press conference on December 1, 2023. Reports indicate that 17 provincial-level regions are experiencing high flu activity, while others report medium levels. Hospitals across the country are overwhelmed, particularly with pediatric cases.
The current outbreak has been described as atypical compared to standard winter flu patterns. Data reveal that patients with flu-like symptoms are testing positive for influenza in approximately 51% of cases, a figure lower than the peak levels observed in recent years. The H3N2 subtype of influenza A is the dominant strain, accounting for over 95% of reported cases, with smaller numbers of H1N1 and influenza B also identified.
In regions such as Beijing, Tianjin, and provinces like Hebei, Henan, and Guangdong, hospitals have reported crowded corridors filled with children. The situation has raised alarm, especially after Peng Zhibin, a specialist at the China CDC, noted a sharp rise in flu infection rates in late November. Social media posts have depicted long queues of children waiting for treatment, with one resident sharing their experience at the Beijing Children’s Hospital, stating, “On the evening of November 23rd, around 8 PM, I went to the Beijing Children’s Hospital, and didn’t get home until 1 AM. The flu has been so terrifying lately.”
The surge in illness has led to a remarkable increase in the purchase of antiviral medications, with the Alibaba Health platform reporting a 500% spike from November 10 to 21. The Beijing CDC has confirmed that while flu activity is at a peak, the rate of increase appears to be slowing.
Dr. Zhang Datao, director of the institute for infectious and endemic disease control at the Beijing CDC, emphasized that the outbreak is primarily driven by the H3N2 virus and has predominantly affected children aged 5 to 14. He noted that most outbreaks have occurred in educational and childcare settings. Tragically, one child has died after contracting influenza A.
Influenza A is an airborne virus that can manifest with various symptoms, including high fever, cough, and fatigue. In severe cases, it may lead to pneumonia, posing a serious risk to vulnerable populations, such as those with weakened immune systems. Dr. Zhang highlighted the virus’s tendency to mutate, which is responsible for annual flu outbreaks. Despite this, he reassured the public that these incidents remain seasonal and show no signs of escalating in severity.
In response to the rising case numbers, the National Health Commission has instructed local health authorities to enhance medical service availability. Measures include increasing outpatient appointments and extending service hours. Clinics are also being established or adjusted to offer longer operating hours, including evening and weekend sessions to better accommodate the public’s healthcare needs.
While infection rates continue to climb, both the China CDC and the Communist Party have reported that significant mutations in the H3N2 strain have not been detected. As the country prepares for a peak in flu activity, officials remain vigilant, aiming to ensure that healthcare systems are capable of managing the increased demand.
