[Health and Quarantine] Customs Advisory: Key Guidelines for Influenza Prevention

 

 

According to national influenza surveillance, flu season typically begins each October and lasts through winter and spring across China. What precautions should you take? Here are the key points provided by Customs:

I. What is influenza?

Influenza ("the flu") is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It has a sudden onset and spreads rapidly. Influenza viruses are classified into four types: A, B, C, and D. The primary viruses affecting humans currently are Influenza A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2, and Influenza B lineages Victoria and Yamagata.

Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal outbreaks annually, with type A viruses capable of causing global pandemics. Symptoms commonly include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Severe influenza may lead to complications, occasionally resulting in death.

 

 

 

 

II. How Influenza Spreads:

1. Source of Infection

People with influenza and asymptomatic carriers are the primary infection sources, typically shedding the virus in respiratory secretions for 3–7 days.

2. Modes of Transmission

1) Respiratory droplet transmission is the most common method.

2) Contact transmission can occur when touching virus-contaminated objects and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Susceptible Groups

Everyone is susceptible to influenza. Infection confers short-term immunity against the same virus subtype, but reinfections can occur. Children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, obese individuals, chronic disease patients, and immunocompromised people are at high risk. These groups often experience severe symptoms and complications like myocarditis.

III. Tips for Preventing Influenza

1. Vaccination

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent influenza infection by specific subtypes/lineages.

2. Maintain Good Hygiene

1) Wash your hands frequently; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands.

2) Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, towel, or elbow when coughing or sneezing.

3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

1) Keep regular sleeping habits, balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise. Dress warmly and avoid exposure to cold;

2) Ventilate indoor spaces daily to maintain fresh air;

3) During peak flu season, limit visits to crowded places and wear masks properly when going out.

 

 

 

 

4. If you develop fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms:

1) Stay home, rest, and avoid attending gatherings or dining out.

2) Seek medical attention promptly when necessary.

V. Customs Reminder

According to the Announcement on the List of Monitored Infectious Diseases (Announcement No. 3 of 2024, issued by the National Disease Control Bureau and the General Administration of Customs), influenza is a monitored infectious disease. When entering or exiting China, if you experience symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat, you must proactively declare your condition to Customs via the customs passenger mini-app or at the Customs site. Clearly disclose your travel and contact history, cooperate with Customs officials to undertake medical procedures and sample testing, monitor your health closely, and seek timely medical treatment if needed.

 

 

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Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Huangpu Customs 12360. The Huangpu Customs 12360 version shall prevail.