英语新闻丨Flu rate lower than last year, health commission

China is experiencing a relatively high rate of influenza, though it is lower than the same period last year and is expected to decrease, according to the National Health Commission on Sunday. Vaccines and treatments remain effective, the commission added.

1月12日，国家卫生健康委表示，中国近期处于流感相对高发期，但相较于去年同期已有所下降，且预计将继续降低。卫健委还补充说，疫苗和治疗对当前流感仍然有效。

"The main cause of the recent increase in acute respiratory infection visits to medical institutions is influenza, as shown by monitoring results," said Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, during a news conference held by the health commission.

国家卫生健康委新闻发布会上，中国疾控中心研究员王丽萍表示：“监测结果显示，流感是近期医疗机构急性呼吸道感染患者就诊量上升的主要原因。”

"With the imminent closure of primary and middle schools (for the upcoming holiday), influenza activity is expected to decline in the middle and latter part of the month," Wang said.

王丽萍说：“随着各地中小学（因即将到来的假期）临近停课，预计本月中下旬流感活动水平将有所下降。”

Although various respiratory infections alternate or overlap in prevalence, all the current pathogens are known, including human metapneumovirus, which has existed for decades. No new infectious diseases have been identified, the researcher added.

尽管当前呈现多种呼吸道传染病交替或叠加流行态势，但均是已知病原体，包括已存在数十年的人偏肺病毒。研究员还补充道，未出现新发传染病。

The current dominant strain of influenza is the H1N1 subtype. Antigenic analysis of this strain indicates a good match with this year's influenza vaccine, confirming the effectiveness of vaccination, according to Wang.

当前流行的优势株是甲型H1N1亚型。王丽萍表示，对该毒株的抗原性分析显示其与今年流感疫苗株匹配度良好，表明疫苗接种有效。

Wang recommended that everyone over 6 months old without vaccine contraindications, such as allergies to vaccine components, receive an annual flu vaccine. For those who have not yet received this year's flu shot, it remains beneficial to get it. The vaccine provides protection throughout the flu season, reduces the risk of infection, lessens the severity of illness if infected and decreases the likelihood of complications.

王丽萍建议，所有6月龄以上的人群，没有疫苗接种禁忌（如对疫苗成分过敏），应每年接种流感疫苗。对于今年尚未接种流感疫苗的人来说，现在接种仍然有益。疫苗在整个流感季都具有保护作用，降低感染流感病毒的风险，减轻感染发病后症状的严重程度，减少并发症的发生。

Current analyses show that the prevalent influenza virus is sensitive to antiviral medications, indicating that drug treatments are effective.

当前分析显示，目前流行的流感病毒对抗病毒药物敏感，表明药物治疗有效。

Most people typically recover from influenza within one to two weeks. However, individuals experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe cough, difficulty breathing, altered mental state or severe vomiting and diarrhea should seek immediate medical attention, Wang emphasized.

大多数流感患者通常1到2周可以康复。然而，王丽萍强调，如果出现高热、剧烈咳嗽、呼吸困难、神志改变、严重呕吐和腹泻等症状应立即就医。

Xu Baoping, chief physician at Beijing Children's Hospital, advised that children with a fever but who are otherwise in good spirits and eating and sleeping normally can be observed and treated at home. However, if high fever persists along with lethargy, rapid or labored breathing, severe vomiting or convulsions, parents should consult a doctor promptly.

北京儿童医院主任医师徐保平建议，如果儿童发热但精神状态良好，进食和睡眠正常，可以在家中观察和治疗。然而，如果儿童出现高热不退，并伴有嗜睡、呼吸急促或困难、严重呕吐或抽搐，家长应立即带其就医。

With the upcoming 2025 Spring Festival travel rush and expected gatherings, travelers should prepare masks, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers, Wang said. Elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal disease.

王丽萍表示，随着2025年春节出行高峰的临近以及聚集性活动的增多，旅客应备好口罩、消毒湿巾、免洗手消毒液。建议老年人、慢性病患者积极接种新冠、流感、肺炎球菌疫苗。

During travel, wear masks correctly, avoid touching your face and sanitize your hands after touching public facilities. Upon arrival, change clothes and wash your hands and face immediately. If respiratory symptoms develop, stay home and avoid group activities, Wang advised.

王丽萍建议，旅途中，应正确佩戴口罩，避免用手触摸面部，接触公共设施后要消毒双手；抵达目的地后，应立即更换衣物并洗手、清洗面部。如果出现呼吸道感染症状，应居家休息，避免参加聚集性活动。

respiratory

adj.呼吸的

alternate

v.轮流，交替

lethargy

n.没精打采，懒散