During the current peak season for respiratory infections among children, viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae remain the primary pathogens, with the influenza virus being the most common, according to doctors at a press conference held by the National Health Commission (NHC) on Sunday. Parents were urged to keep their children at home if they contract influenza.
Children infected with influenza typically exhibit fever, often accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, and general discomfort. Respiratory symptoms, including cough, sore throat, and a runny nose, are also common, said Wang Quan, a chief physician at Beijing Children’s Hospital, during the press conference, as reported by CCTV News. In some cases, children may display gastrointestinal symptoms more prominently than adults, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite, Wang added.
Most children who contract influenza experience an acute and self-limiting illness, with fever generally lasting two to three days and full recovery occurring within about a week, according to Wang.
However, Wang also noted that some children might have lingering symptoms, such as a prolonged cough or extended periods of fatigue and weakness.
For children with influenza, parents are advised to focus on antiviral and symptomatic treatments. Specific antiviral medications suitable for children are available and should be administered as early as possible—ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset—under the guidance of a healthcare professional, reported CCTV News. Experts stressed that antibiotics are ineffective against the influenza virus.
According to a report released on Thursday by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 99.6 percent of influenza virus samples detected in both southern and northern provinces of China between December 23 and December 29, 2024, were identified as H1N1 influenza, as noted by Health Times, a publication affiliated with the People’s Daily.
Experts have highlighted that while the proportion of severe pneumonia cases caused by influenza has increased slightly compared to previous years, the overall incidence remains low. Early treatment is strongly recommended to support timely recovery.
