Not only simultaneous outbreaks but also simultaneous infections should be feared
China starts early flu vaccinations in some regions
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] China is concerned about a 'twindemic'?the simultaneous outbreak of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza?ahead of the flu season. Accordingly, it is conducting early flu vaccinations and urging strengthened personal hygiene.
On the 12th, China's state-run Global Times cited Dong Xiaoping, chief researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warning of a high risk of combined flu and COVID-19 outbreaks this fall and winter. Previously, the CDC had also forecasted that the prevalence of influenza would be higher than that of COVID-19 this fall and winter.
According to authorities, more than 100 confirmed cases per day have been reported in at least nine provinces in China. The media reported that daily confirmed cases are approaching 2,000, especially increasing in Hainan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Tibet Autonomous Region.
The Global Times stated that flu alerts have been issued in places including Guangdong, Jiangsu, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces this fall and winter. It emphasized that vulnerable groups should receive flu vaccines immediately and maintain personal hygiene in daily life.
In Guangdong, Sichuan, and some areas of Fujian Province, where flu cases surged in summer, large-scale flu vaccinations began in June. In Hainan Province, China’s first quadrivalent influenza vaccine has been provided to children under 3 years old since the end of last month.
Xiao Yiming, a CDC virus researcher, explained, "We are seeing concerns about the simultaneous spread of influenza and COVID-19," adding, "However, China already has three years of experience managing COVID-19 risks." He further elaborated, "Effective mechanisms for handling epidemic risks allow necessary measures to be followed when needed." The researcher also explained that China has established a system to monitor the prevalence of flu and COVID-19, enabling timely delivery of prevention messages and the ability to screen infected patients at hospitals and clinics.
On the other hand, Lu Hongzhou, director of Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, warned that the interaction between COVID-19 and influenza is complex and not yet fully understood, requiring caution. He argued, "In a twindemic scenario, simultaneous infections of COVID-19 and influenza must also be seriously considered." He particularly noted that existing measures against COVID-19 might reduce contact with influenza, potentially decreasing the public’s immunity to the flu. According to a paper published last month in the life sciences journal Bioscience Trends by Director Lu and his research team, insufficient adaptive immunity to influenza in the population raises concerns about triggering future pandemics.
The Global Times emphasized, "Simultaneous infections can be a troublesome issue," adding, "Effective vaccines and antiviral treatments must be provided, and correct knowledge about prevention should be distributed and communicated." Recently in China, the oral COVID-19 treatment Azvudine, priced at about 270 yuan (approximately 52,000 won) per pill, was approved. Pfizer’s Paxlovid has also been approved as a treatment in China.
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