COVID-19 activity has increased in China in recent weeks, although health authorities say the current situation remains at a moderate level.

According to the latest surveillance data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 was the most commonly detected respiratory pathogen among patients with influenza-like symptoms at sentinel hospitals.

The COVID-19 positivity rate reached 20.3%, an increase of four percentage points compared with the previous week. Infection rates were higher in southern China, while adults aged 15 to 59 recorded the highest positivity rate.

The main circulating strain remains NB.1.8.1, a descendant of the Omicron variant. Most reported infections continue to cause mild respiratory illness, and there is currently no evidence that the circulating strain causes more severe disease.

China CDC also confirmed that all detected infections were caused by known respiratory pathogens. No unknown pathogen or newly emerging infectious disease was identified.

Influenza activity remains relatively low. The main circulating influenza strains are influenza B Victoria lineage and influenza A(H3N2).

Common symptoms

COVID-19 may cause symptoms similar to influenza or other respiratory infections, including:

• Fever or chills

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Runny or blocked nose

• Headache and body aches

• Tiredness

• Shortness of breath in more severe cases

Symptoms alone may not reliably distinguish COVID-19 from influenza. Testing may be recommended depending on your symptoms, recent travel, exposure history and medical condition.

How to protect yourself

Patients with respiratory symptoms should rest, drink sufficient fluids and avoid close contact with elderly or medically vulnerable family members.

Wearing a mask in crowded indoor areas, maintaining good hand hygiene and improving ventilation can help reduce the spread of respiratory infections.

Older adults, pregnant women and people with diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, kidney disease, cancer or weakened immunity should seek medical advice early if symptoms develop.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, dehydration or rapidly worsening symptoms.

MyGP Clinic’s advice

The latest increase appears to be a periodic fluctuation rather than a new public health emergency. However, COVID-19 remains a common respiratory infection and patients should continue taking reasonable precautions.

Patients with fever, coughing, sore throat or other respiratory symptoms may visit MyGP Clinic for medical assessment, testing and appropriate treatment advice.

This information is provided for general health education and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.