【JSR Interpretation】Group Infection Cases in Multiple Schools: Is a New Wave of the Pandemic Coming? 爱博物 2025-09-04
【Foreword】
We have invited Mr. Leng Zhe to launch a new science column to interpret the current pandemic trends and share cutting-edge scientific knowledge. If you have any questions for Mr. Leng Zhe, feel free to leave them in the comments section for interaction.
First, let’s conclude: this is not the beginning of a second wave but a continuation of the first wave.
Every year during the spring semester, influenza, norovirus, and hand, foot, and mouth disease are highly prevalent.
This year’s situation is more complex, primarily because the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been added to the mix of these three common illnesses. This is not simply a matter of adding one more infectious disease. Often, this addition is synergistic, meaning 1+1 is far greater than 2.
For example, the combination of COVID-19 and influenza, COVID-19 and intestinal infections, or the triple combination of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) in the Americas—all pose new challenges. These scenarios are challenging for both hospitals and individuals. Hospitals face a sudden surge in medical pressure, while individuals not only suffer discomfort but also require time for their immune systems to recover. Repeated叠加 (overlapping infections) can drag the body into a very poor state.
Therefore, the best approach is to take preventive measures to avoid infection whenever possible. For instance, the most effective way to combat influenza is vaccination. Preventing norovirus and hand, foot, and mouth disease primarily requires children to maintain good hygiene. Overall, measures we have been practicing for years—such as wearing masks, practicing hand sanitization, and ensuring good ventilation—have certain preventive effects against these diseases.
If symptoms like fever or diarrhea occur, avoid panicking and self-medicating. If possible, it is advisable to visit a hospital clinic for a simple screening to identify the specific disease and type of infection, as this will impact treatment.
For example, bacterial infections require timely antibiotic treatment. Even for viral infections, different viruses have corresponding medications: oseltamivir for influenza A, specific drugs for COVID-19, and rehydration for norovirus. Treatment methods vary depending on the disease.
I understand why people are particularly concerned about spring infections this year. The previous wave of the pandemic is still in its尾声 (tail end). As mentioned in earlier responses, COVID-19 has not disappeared; a significant number of people are still being infected daily. With schools reopening, many students have been infected one after another. Combined with the three common illnesses, this has heightened public sensitivity.
Many are worried about whether a second wave of COVID-19 is arriving. Based on current CDC sequencing data, there are no signs of a second peak yet. The timing depends on how long the antibodies from the first wave of mass infections last and the spread speed of new variants in the country.
For now, the next three months may be a critical period, and everyone should stay vigilant.
For more information, please contact an IBOWU advisor:
Ms. Zhang: 13910908618 (WeChat ID same as phone number)
Ms. Zha: 13910312020 (WeChat ID same as phone number)
About IBOWU · JSR Academy
JSR Academy™ is China's first youth science academy initiated by non-governmental forces. Launched by IBOWU, a well-known domestic platform for youth scientific research and academic programs, it aims to provide high-quality scientific practice platforms for Chinese youth.
JSR Academy has received investments from BGI Group and TAL Education Group’s industry fund. With strong scientific and capital backing, JSR Academy has gathered dozens of multidisciplinary frontline scientists from around the world and partnered with numerous university and research laboratory resources across countries including China, the U.S., Denmark, Norway, Singapore, and Australia. It is committed to providing students with advanced STEM academic programs and elite training plans, striving to cultivate the scientific spirit of Chinese youth and contribute to the reserve of scientific and technological talent for China and the world.
