Core Viewpoint - The recent emergence of the H3N2 influenza virus has led to increased public concern, with symptoms reported to be more severe than those of a common cold, as indicated by the China CDC's report showing over 90% of positive samples being H3N2 [1] Group 1: Differentiating Between Common Cold and Influenza - Influenza symptoms typically appear suddenly, including high fever, headache, sore throat, cough, significant fatigue, and muscle aches, while common cold symptoms develop more gradually and are generally milder [2] - High fever (above 39°C) lasting 3-5 days is common in influenza, whereas common cold fever is usually below 38°C and resolves within 1-2 days [2] - Early identification of symptoms is crucial for appropriate treatment and resource management [2] Group 2: Recovery Timeline and Potential Aftereffects - Antiviral treatment is most effective when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset, with medications like Oseltamivir and Marbofloxacin recommended [3] - Influenza itself does not typically leave aftereffects, but delayed treatment can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or myocarditis, which may have long-term health impacts [3] - Healthy adults usually recover from typical influenza symptoms within a week, but some may experience lingering cough and fatigue for up to two weeks [3] Group 3: Preventive Measures for H3N2 Influenza - Vaccination is strongly recommended as the most effective and economical preventive measure against influenza [4][5] - The composition of the flu vaccine is adjusted annually to match circulating strains, enhancing its effectiveness [5] - Public health recommendations include wearing masks in high-risk areas and isolating when symptomatic to prevent the spread of the virus [5]

Core Viewpoint - The flu poses significant public health risks, especially during the peak travel season coinciding with the flu season, necessitating effective antiviral treatments and preventive measures [1][5][7]. Market Demand - The optimization of China's exit and entry policies has led to a surge in outbound travel, with projections indicating over 155 million outbound trips by 2025, contributing to the global spread of flu [5]. - The World Health Organization estimates around 1 billion seasonal flu cases annually, resulting in 290,000 to 650,000 deaths, highlighting the severity of flu outbreaks [5]. - The overlap of the winter-spring travel peak and flu season raises concerns for public health systems, particularly for vulnerable populations [5][6]. Treatment Options - Antiviral treatment is crucial for flu management, with the most effective results achieved within 48 hours of symptom onset [1][7]. - The primary antiviral medications available in China include Oseltamivir and Baloxavir Marboxil, both effective against influenza A and B [1][8]. - The expert consensus emphasizes vaccination as the primary preventive measure against flu, particularly for high-risk groups [7][8]. Competitive Landscape - The flu medication market in China has become increasingly competitive, especially after the expiration of Oseltamivir's patent in 2016, leading to a surge in generic versions [2][9]. - As of November 2025, there are nearly 140 approved products related to Oseltamivir in China, indicating a highly saturated market [9]. - Baloxavir Marboxil, a second-generation flu treatment, has gained market traction since its approval in 2021, with sales expected to exceed 1.5 billion yuan by 2024 [10][11]. Market Growth Potential - The Chinese flu medication market was valued at 10.74 billion yuan in 2023, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 197.51% [11]. - Projections indicate a compound annual growth rate of 20.2% from 2024 to 2028, with the market potentially reaching 26.9 billion yuan by 2028 [11].