Beijing — February 6, 2024 — Flu cases in China are trending downward, offering a glimmer of hope as the Northern Hemisphere enters peak respiratory virus season.
Flu Activity Continues to Diminish Across China
Recent data indicates a sustained decline in influenza activity throughout China over the past two months.
- Influenza activity has been decreasing for two months.
- The H3N2 strain remains dominant, but Victoria lineage influenza B is rising.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity rates are also falling.
- The novel coronavirus continues to circulate at low levels.
According to Wang Dayan, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the positivity rate for influenza at sentinel hospitals, the number of reported cases, and the size of infection clusters have all decreased. Is the flu season over in China? While it’s too early to declare the season finished, current trends suggest a significant easing of influenza transmission.
Strain Shifts and Other Respiratory Viruses
The H3N2 subtype of influenza A continues to be the most prevalent strain circulating in China. However, Wang noted a gradual increase in the proportion of the Victoria lineage of influenza B. This shift in circulating strains is something public health officials are monitoring closely.
Beyond influenza, the positivity rate for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also showing a decline. Rhinovirus positivity rates have remained relatively stable, fluctuating within a defined range. Importantly, positivity rates for other respiratory pathogens under surveillance, including the novel coronavirus, remain generally low, Wang added.
The data provides a snapshot of the current respiratory virus landscape in China, offering valuable insights as health officials prepare for potential future waves of infection. Continued monitoring and surveillance will be crucial to understanding the evolving dynamics of these viruses.
