Chinese experts caution about the combined risk of influenza and Covid
Key Takeaways:
- According to a state media story from Monday, a flu outbreak in southern China has resulted in a pharmaceutical scarcity, and medical professionals are warning of concomitant health risks.
- They reportedly said in the Global Times article that it is still not appropriate to cease using masks and to stop avoiding people in public.
A state media report said on Monday that a flu outbreak in southern China has caused a shortage of medications and that doctors are warning of concurrent health dangers from influenza and occasional Covid-19 infections.
The unprecedented increase in influenza infections this time of year may be partially due to weakened herd immunity brought on by ongoing Covid-19 preventative measures, like lockdowns, specialists suggested, according to an article in the Global Times.
The fact that influenza cases are rising faster than in the winter, when illnesses typically spread more quickly worries doctors and specialists.
As per the most recent report by the Chinese National Influenza Center (CNIC), "of the 507 influenza outbreak... in 17 provinces among April 4 as well as June 19, 503 were in southern China, a sharp rise from the 136 in 2021 in the same period." At least ten cases of influenza are considered an outbreak.
The news source said that in many pharmacies in southern China, influenza antiviral medications such as oseltamivir are in low supply due to high demand.
According to the CNIC data, the top three regions for influenza outbreaks were two in southern China, Guangdong and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and one in the east, Fujian Province. In that order, they reported 119, 79, and 109 outbreaks.
According to Lu Hongzhou, a hospital director in Shenzhen, "abnormal influenza incidence in southern China" may have been influenced by persistent rain, chilly weather, and Covid-19 control efforts that lessened public exposure to respiratory infections.
The influenza A (H3N2) subtype, characterized by a high epidemic intensity, a high infection rate, and a quick mutation frequency, is primarily responsible for the increased illnesses in south China, according to the paper. According to Lu, it has a 0.2 percent fatality rate.
"Experts cautioned of the twin hazards posed by Covid-19 and influenza but noted the minimal likelihood of a widespread influenza outbreak. According to the Global Times story, they stated that it is not yet appropriate to stop wearing masks and refrain from avoiding people in public. Doctors are prioritizing treatment due to the growing flu epidemic.
For instance, the Fujian provincial health commission reported that in June, 33,000 more people were visiting local fever clinics in Fujian province than in May.
To better manage the high influenza season among youngsters, the Xiamen (city) health commission in Fujian advised [pediatricians] not to get involved in Covid-19-related activity, according to the news source.
Other provinces' health departments have also sent out "alerts concerning the high incidence of influenza and hospitals (have) altered procedures to avoid crowded line-up as well as a concentrated presence in public places," the statement continued.