Influenza and COVID-19 situation and health tips in Beijing

On January 16, at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the influenza epidemic in my country is fluctuating at a high level, and the COVID-19 epidemic is at a relatively low level. The prevalent strains are still mainly XBB and its sub-branches, and the JN.1 variant is gradually increasing. Before and after the Spring Festival holiday, the COVID-19 epidemic may rebound to a certain extent, and medical resources and epidemic prevention preparations will be made in advance during the Spring Festival.

Monitoring data show that the influenza virus positivity rate among influenza-like cases in sentinel hospitals in the city in the past week was 49.9%, nearly 10 percentage points lower than the peak of 59.5% in early December 2023. In the early stage of this epidemic season, influenza A virus was the main strain, and in the past week, influenza B virus accounted for 88.5%, which is the main epidemic strain . At present, the influenza epidemic in our city is still at a high epidemic level, and it has shown a gradual downward trend.

At present, the COVID-19 infection in our city is still at a low epidemic level. In the past week, the positive rate of COVID-19 in influenza-like cases in sentinel hospitals was 1.8%, mainly XBB variants, and the proportion of JN.1 variants has gradually increased. The COVID-19 epidemic is gradually increasing . Studies have found that the transmission ability of the JN.1 variant has increased, but there is no evidence that its pathogenicity has increased.

In order to effectively prevent and control respiratory infectious diseases in winter and spring and ensure that citizens have a healthy and peaceful Spring Festival, our city has strengthened various epidemic prevention and control work.

First, all fever clinics in the city’s approximately 300 medical institutions should be opened to meet the medical needs of fever patients.

Second, all community health service centers in the city are equipped with a variety of drugs for treating COVID-19 and influenza, including small molecules, and are able to receive patients with fever symptoms and provide nearby services to the public.

The third is to strengthen the health management of the elderly in nursing homes and communities, open up medical treatment and referral channels, and achieve early diagnosis and treatment.

Fourth, through Internet medical insurance mobile payment, online consultation and prescription, home delivery of medicines and other services, people’s home rehabilitation is facilitated.

Fifth, the city’s medical institutions, retail and online pharmacies have sufficient reserves and stable supply of fever, cough suppressants and other medicines, as well as antigen reagents, to meet patients’ diversified medication needs.

Sixth, carry out training on prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infectious diseases, continue to monitor the epidemic, pay close attention to changes in the situation, and timely optimize and adjust response measures to ensure the health of citizens.

Health Tips

At present, our city is still in the high-incidence season for respiratory infectious diseases. The Spring Festival holiday is approaching, so we would like to remind all citizens:

First, we must actively get vaccinated and encourage the elderly, people with low immune function and other citizens who meet the vaccination conditions to actively and proactively receive the new coronavirus vaccine containing XBB antigen components. Once confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus, they should take small molecule drugs as soon as possible.

Second, we must raise awareness of disease prevention, and people returning home or traveling during the Spring Festival should protect their personal health and pay attention to food hygiene.

Third, we must wear masks scientifically. We should wear masks when going to medical institutions and nursing homes. It is recommended to wear masks when taking public transportation and entering crowded places.

Fourth, keep your hands clean. Wash your hands frequently after coming home from outside, before meals, after defecation, and before and after touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Fifth, we must monitor our health. If symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat occur, take measures such as resting at home, taking medicine, or seeking medical treatment in a timely manner according to the situation. If the condition worsens or the original underlying disease worsens significantly, you should seek medical attention immediately.

01

Can’t tell the difference between influenza, H1N1 and H1N1?

Influenza, abbreviated as "flu", is divided into four types: A, B, C, and D. It is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus, which is highly contagious and spreads rapidly. It can cause outbreaks and epidemics worldwide.

02

How is influenza contracted?

The incidence of influenza is high and the entire population is susceptible.

It is mainly spread through respiratory droplets such as sneezing and coughing of patients , and can also be spread through contact with the patient's oral, nasal, eye and other mucous membranes. Contact with objects contaminated by the virus can also cause infection.

03

What is the difference between the flu and the common cold?

Mild influenza often presents similarly to the common cold, but with more obvious fever and systemic symptoms.

The common cold is characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and coughing, while influenza has more severe systemic symptoms. It has the following three obvious characteristics:

Obvious high fever (38.9~40℃), with body temperature rising rapidly in a short period of time;

Obvious pain (mainly headache, sore throat, muscle aches);

Obvious fatigue .

Children under 5 years old,

Elderly people aged 60 and above,

Patients with chronic diseases,

Pregnant women and other high-risk groups

It is more likely to develop serious complications, so personal protection is even more important. (Pneumonia is the most common complication of influenza)

04

Flu ≠ Common Cold

Two major measures, scientific prevention

Step 1: Get a flu shot

Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications in recipients.

We can vaccinate at any time during the epidemic.

Tip 2: Take personal protection measures

① Wash your hands frequently and pay attention to washing them properly . Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands.

② When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow . Throw the used tissue into the trash can and wash your hands in time.

③ Avoid gatherings During the influenza epidemic season, high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic underlying diseases should try to avoid going to crowded places and confined spaces. If they must go, they should wear masks .

The public is encouraged to wear masks when riding on public transportation and in enclosed spaces with crowded places.

④ Ventilate frequently. Open windows at least 3 times a day, for at least half an hour each time , to keep the indoor air fresh.

⑤ Enhance immunity

Improve physical fitness and dietary balance. Maintain a healthy diet and daily life, actively exercise, and improve the body's immunity

Source: Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission