China's National Health Commission (NHC) held a press conference and issued many recommendations regarding the peak respiratory disease season, after receiving many reports of a worrying respiratory disease outbreak in the country.
Beijing residents wear masks to prevent Covid-19 on February 14, 2023
At a press conference of the National Health Commission (NHC) of China on January 5, doctors said that in the current peak season of respiratory infections in children, the main pathogens are still viruses and Mycoplasma pneumonia, of which influenza virus is the most common.
Experts are reminding parents to keep their children home if they have the flu, according to a Global Times report on the press conference.
Children with influenza mainly present with fever, accompanied by headache, muscle pain and general fatigue. In addition, respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat and runny nose may also appear, according to Dr. Wang Quan of Beijing Children's Hospital.
According to Dr. Vuong, in some children, gastrointestinal symptoms may be more pronounced than in adults, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Most children with influenza virus experience an acute illness, usually with a fever lasting 2-3 days and a full recovery within a week.
However, Dr. Vuong notes that some children may have a cough that lasts for a long time, and some children may experience fatigue and weakness that lasts longer than usual.
Many Chinese hospitals are overloaded with pneumonia
According to CCTV, parents are advised that if their children are infected with the influenza virus, the main approach is to treat them with antiviral drugs and treat the symptoms. There are antiviral drugs specifically for children, which should be used as soon as possible under the guidance of a doctor, especially within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Experts also stress that antibiotics are not effective against the flu virus.
According to a report released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention on January 2, from December 23 to 29, 2024, 99.6 percent of positive influenza virus samples detected in southern and northern provinces of China were identified as H1N1 influenza.
Experts note that although the rate of severe pneumonia due to influenza is slightly higher than in previous years, the overall incidence remains relatively low. Patients are advised to start treatment as soon as possible to ensure timely recovery.
Developments outside China
Meanwhile, media outlets reported that many countries are closely monitoring developments in China, with particular attention paid to human pneumonia caused by metapneumovirus. (HMPV).
According to Newsweek magazine on January 5, in addition to mainland China, there have been a number of HMPV infections recorded in Hong Kong and Malaysia. Malaysia has not commented on the information, but the Malaysian Ministry of Health said on January 4 that it is closely monitoring the expected increase in acute respiratory infections at the end of the year.
"The increase in acute respiratory infections at the end and beginning of the year is an expected phenomenon consistent with cases recorded in other countries, especially during winter like in China," The Star quoted a statement from the Malaysian Health Ministry.
In Indonesia, the country's health ministry reported no HMPV cases and reminded people to be vigilant, calm and take preventive measures, according to Antara news agency.
In India, health authorities in New Delhi issued guidelines on January 5 to address potential health risks associated with HMPV and other respiratory diseases.
Hospitals are required to report cases of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections, according to the recommendations. They must also be strict in isolating suspected cases and following standard safety measures.
Additionally, hospitals must have enough medicine to treat mild cases. These measures were taken after reports of an HMPV outbreak and a rise in respiratory illnesses in China, according to The Times of India .
In Africa, according to Times Live on January 5, the South African government said it "is monitoring the outbreak of a respiratory virus that has emerged in China and is causing growing public concern."
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/uy-ban-y-te-quoc-gia-trung-quoc-noi-ve-benh-ho-hap-dang-gay-lo-ngai-185250106073137954.htm
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