No cases of bird flu in China so far, despite peak season

World
Europe

01:47

Winter is known to take a toll on our health, and often coincides with flu season, which, experts say is well underway across China.

The good news?

No abnormal symptoms have been seen so far, particularly no cases of the deadly bird flu.

"The H7N9 bird flu cases usually happen in this season. But over the last year, we haven't even found a single case. This is thanks to efforts like regulating livestock market and breeding," said Li Zhongjie, researcher at China Center for Disease Control And Prevention.

The H7N9 bird flu cases usually happen in winter but none have been found over the last year, according to China's health authority. /VCG Photo

As always, authorities advise getting an annual flu shot sooner rather than later. But flu vaccines were in short supply at the beginning of this season. Officials did not connect that shortage to a local vaccine factory scandal in July, saying now there are enough for use.

"The vaccine strains were from the WHO, the standard regent for detection was purchased from abroad. These purchases were delayed for two months longer than usual this year. But so far we've purchased 14.26 million, 10.97 million were used, and we have more left," said Lei Zhenglong, deputy director of the disease control bureau of National Health Commission.

But personal hygiene habits and health awareness are even more important, especially as people are more likely to be on the move for gatherings, like the traditional Spring Festival, starting February 5.