BEIJING — A total of 13 types of COVID-19 vaccines, approved for conditional marketing or emergency use, are now available as a second booster dose in China, according to experts with the State Council inter-agency task force for COVID-19 response. Omicron-resistant vaccines are preferred in choosing second booster doses, said experts with the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism …

China has optimized its COVID-19 response measures at the right time, amid the reduced fatality rate of the Omicron variant and the increased preparedness of the nation’s healthcare system, experts said over the weekend. They cautioned that the country will face “waves of COVID-19 infection” through winter, but added that the overall epidemic situation is controllable and a return to …

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the flu have many similarities and differences. The only way to truly diagnose whether you have the flu or COVID-19 is through testing. But knowing the symptoms of each can help you determine what to do next. Below, we provide an …

BEIJING — China released a circular on further optimizing the COVID-19 response on Wednesday, announcing 10 prevention and control measures. The measures were introduced based on the latest epidemic situation and mutation of the virus to contain the epidemic in a more science-based and targeted manner, according to the circular issued by the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism …

You may have a chlamydia and/ or gonorrhoea infection in your rectum or anus if you have received anal sex to someone who has one or both of these infections and a rectal swab can test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to collect your sample Step 1 Wash and dry your hands before opening the …

Authorities will accelerate the lifting of unnecessary restrictions put in place after the recent Omicron-fueled outbreaks to reduce the disease control strategies’ economic fallout and other resulting “inconveniences”, a senior health official said on Tuesday, amid a surge of public displeasure toward the distorted enforcement of containment policies. National Health Commission spokesman Mi Feng said local governments are racing to …

COVID-19 and allergies share some similar symptoms, but there are indicators of COVID-19 that are distinct and highly unlikely to be caused by allergies. Fever and shortness of breath are serious symptoms of COVID-19 that are rarely related to allergies. One study reported that 98% of participants with COVID-19 had a fever, and 55% experienced shortness of breath. Here are …

STDs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HIV, and HPV (human papillomavirus) infection. STD testing can help you get diagnosed and treated so you may avoid serious complications. STD testing refers to several different methods to detect an infection, such as blood tests, vaginal discharge tests, stool test, and laparoscopy. Each type …

RT-PCR Test means real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test. RT-PCR test procedure is used for detecting nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab specimens from people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. This is accomplished by utilising fluorescence to monitor the amplification reaction, a technique known as quantitative PCR (qPCR). It allows professionals to immediately review the …

China will cut COVID-19 quarantine period for incoming travelers from 10 to 8 days, cancel the circuit breaker for inbound flights and no longer determine secondary close contacts of confirmed cases, health authorities said on Friday. Categories of COVID-risk areas will be adjusted to high and low, from the old tertiary standards of high, medium and low, according to a …

Cortisol is the most abundant circulating steroid and the major glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex.  It helps the body use sugar (glucose) and fat for energy (metabolism). It also helps the body manage stress. Cortisol testing helps diagnose Cushing syndrome, primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency as well as other malfunctions of the adrenal and pituitary glands. The following are …

BEIJING — Some China-based researchers have recently developed three rapid testing methods for monkeypox virus (MPXV) that can provide the result in 20 to 30 minutes and are significantly faster than the traditional quantitative real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method. Quantitative real-time PCR is currently the gold standard for MPXV diagnostics, but it requires trained laboratory personnel and specialized equipment, …