Context

• Recently, information was received about the spread of a virus in China. This virus is attacking the respiratory system of humans, especially children.
• As a result, there is natural concern around the world about Mycoplasma pneumonia and influenza (flu) spreading in China.

 Points of similarity and dissimilarity between influenza and coronavirus

• Certainly, both of these viruses spread rapidly and both have the potential to cause a pandemic. Nevertheless, both are viruses of different nature from each other.
• In fact, there have been several waves of the H9N2 virus that causes influenza in China, because its form changes very rapidly.
• This is the reason why the H9N2 virus is being monitored in every possible way since 2019.

 Factors responsible for the spread of influenza

• From small droplets released into the air while coughing or sneezing,
• By touching a dirty surface,
• From mouth saliva,
• Skin to skin contact (handshake or hug).

Vulnerable Group

• Flu attacks the lungs, nose and throat.
• The risk of its spread is higher in young people, old people, pregnant women, and those people who have chronic diseases or whose body is weak in fighting diseases, etc.

 Symptoms

• Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headache and fatigue.

Reason for the spread of this disease in China

• Extremely cold weather.
• Removal of restrictions imposed at the time of Corona.
• Due to this, the movement of affected people will increase in those areas or cities where the population density is high.
• Apart from this, children are more in contact with each other, hence the spread of this pneumonia is increasing among them.

 Efforts being made by India

• Possibly this new virus may come to India also. The problem is that by the time it is detected, it is too late and the infection has spread everywhere.
• In China too, the condition of hospitals has deteriorated because they are suddenly burdened with patients.
• The Government of India has issued guidelines in this regard. Pre-preparation is discussed in these guidelines.
• Apart from this, state governments and hospitals have been asked to keep special monitoring of pneumonia patients and adopt necessary precautionary measures. So that any emergency can be dealt with.

Imporatant  Facts Exam

China 

• Capital-Beijing
• Largest city-Shanghai
• President-Xi Jinping
• Currency - Renminbi