China's 2026-2027 Flu Season Arrives Early With Multiple Strains Circulating
China's National Influenza Center reports that the 2026-2027 flu season has started earlier than usual, with Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B (Victoria lineage) co-circulating since July. Health experts urge vaccination throughout the season and warn high-risk groups to monitor for severe symptoms.
China is facing an unusually early start to its 2026-2027 influenza season, with multiple virus strains circulating simultaneously across the country, according to the National Influenza Center of China.
Since July 2026, Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B (Victoria lineage) have been co-circulating in China, with H3N2 accounting for a higher proportion of cases. Wang Dayan, director of the National Influenza Center of China, noted that domestic Influenza A (H1N1) cases are also showing an upward trend, while neighboring countries are primarily experiencing H1N1 dominance. This pattern raises the possibility of a shift in dominant flu strains from H3N2 to H1N1 during the current season.
Cold weather and increased indoor gatherings have heightened the risk of cluster infections in settings such as schools and office buildings.
Health authorities emphasize that certain populations face a significantly higher risk of developing severe influenza. These high-risk groups include children, people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases, and immunocompromised individuals.
Li Tongzeng, a chief physician in the Department of Infectious Diseases at Beijing You'an Hospital, highlighted the need for public awareness regarding specific warning signs that vary by age group. General indicators of a worsening condition include persistent high fever, symptoms lasting more than five days without improvement, and respiratory distress.
In children, signs of encephalitis may present as difficulty waking up, abnormal irritability, and frequent vomiting. Young people, particularly after experiencing fatigue, should watch for chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, which can be potential signs of myocarditis. Elderly patients may not develop a high fever but could instead exhibit decreased appetite, apathy, and reluctance to move.
Feng Luzhao, Vice Dean of the School of Public Health at Peking Union Medical College, and other experts stress that vaccination remains the primary preventive measure. The optimal window for flu vaccination is September to October, as it takes two to four weeks for the body to develop effective protection. However, vaccination is still recommended throughout the entire flu season for those who missed this period.
Three types of flu vaccines are recommended for the 2026-2027 season: trivalent split-virion, trivalent subunit, and trivalent live attenuated nasal spray. Both the trivalent split-virion and trivalent subunit vaccines are suitable for individuals aged six months and older. The trivalent live attenuated nasal spray vaccine is approved for ages 3 to 17 and is not recommended for the elderly or immunocompromised individuals.