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'COVID Zero' Weakening Immune Systems? Flu Outbreaks Hit China

Vaccine Cost, Availability Other Issues

 
• By Brian Yang

China reports flu outbreaks as COVID-19 cases decline, suggesting that population immunity may have been affected by the country's strict "COVID Zero" policies. The cost and availability of flu vaccines in the country are other policy factors playing into the situation. 

Medical concept Vaccination vaccine vial dose flu shot drug needle syringe,Lab test research science hypodermic injection treatment disease care hospital prevention immunization illness disease baby.
CHINA FACES FLU OUTBREAKS AS COVID-19 CASES DECLINE • Source: Shutterstock

The strict "COVID Zero" policies in China may have had one unintended consequence: weakened immune systems that could be leading to outbreaks of other infectious diseases, notably influenza. Low rates of vaccination against flu also appear to be playing a part. 

The country's Center For Influenza reported that flu cases are continuing to climb in southern provinces, with some regions entering official outbreaks, mainly of the H3N2 type.

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