The nationwide influenza positivity rate in the first week of 2025 dropped year on year, said an official with the National Health Commission on Sunday.
Hu Qiangqiang, spokesman of the Commission, told a press conference in Beijing that the positivity rate for the viral flu remained in high occurrence lately, but it has not surpassed the level of last year's flu season.
"The latest data of the sentinel surveillance of acute respiratory infections released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed that flu activity remained in the seasonal epidemic period in the first week of 2025, with the positivity rate of flu virus ascending at a slower pace. The flu positivity rate for outpatient and emergency cases saw a 3.8-percent rise from the previous week but remained below the level a year ago. It is predicted that flu activity will gradually decline by mid to late January, although the trend of flu activity may vary from province to province," Hu said.
The health authorities began taking proactive steps to prevent the flu infection as early as last October, with special focus on key provinces and municipalities, while mobilizing resources across the country to ensure orderly and smooth medical services.
"To better meet the people's demand for medical care, the National Health Commission has guided local authorities to better coordinate medical resources, expand the supply of medical services, and optimize service processes, while working with relevant departments to ensure sufficient reserves and supply of medications. So far, there have been no apparent shortage of medical resources, and the production, supply, and stock of key medications generally remain at a normal level," said Hu.
China's flu positivity rate drops: health official
China's flu positivity rate drops: health official
