The average temperature in China in 2024 was 10.9 C, which is 1.01 C higher than the long-term average of 9.89 C, according to latest statistics from National Climate Center. It surpasses the previous record of 10.71 C set in 2023, marking a new historical high.
The national average number of high-temperature days (daily maximum temperatures ≥ 35.0 C) reached 15.6 days, which is 6.6 days more than the long-term average, making it the second-highest since 1961, surpassed only by 2022.
The Shanghai Meteorological Service released top 10 weather and climate events in Shanghai for 2024 on Wednesday, revealing that the annual average temperature of 18.8 C in the urban area of Shanghai has set a new record. It marks 2024 as the hottest year since meteorological records began in Shanghai in 1873.
Under current climate policies, the world faces warming of as much as 3.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100, according to a United Nations report released in October, the Reuters reported.
During the current peak season for respiratory infections in children, the primary pathogens remain viruses and mycoplasma pneumoniae, with the influenza virus being the most prevalent, doctors said at a press conference held by the National Health Commission (NHC) on Sunday, reminding parents to allow their child to remain at home should they contract influenza.
Children with influenza primarily present with fever, and may be accompanied by headaches, muscle aches and general malaise. Additionally, respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and runny nose may also manifest, according to Wang Quan, a chief physician from Beijing Children's Hospital, during a press conference, according to the CCTV News. In some children, gastrointestinal symptoms may be more pronounced than in adults, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite, Wang added.
The vast majority of children who contract the influenza virus experience an acute, self-limiting course of illness, typically with fever lasting two to three days and making a full recovery within a week, according to Wang.
But Wang noted that some children may experience a cough that persists for an extended period, and others may suffer from fatigue and weakness that last longer than usual.
Parents are advised that if a child contracts the influenza virus, a primary approach should be antiviral and symptomatic treatment. There are specific antiviral medications available for children, which should be used as soon as possible under the guidance of a physician, especially within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, said CCTV News.
Experts also emphasize that antibiotics are ineffective against the influenza virus.
According to the report released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday, from December 23 to December 29, 2024, 99.6 percent of the positive influenza virus samples detected in southern and northern provinces of China were identified as H1N1 influenza, said the Health Times affiliated to the People's Daily.
Experts noted that while the proportion of severe pneumonia caused by influenza is slightly higher than in previous years, the overall incidence remains relatively low. They advise that patients begin treatment as early as possible to ensure a timely recovery.
