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COVID-19

Declining Trends in Respiratory Infections in China: Study Reveals Insights

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at China Medical University have analyzed the disease burden and epidemiological trends of respiratory infections in China from 1990 to 2021. The study, published in BMC Infectious Diseases, estimated the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of upper respiratory infections (URIs) and lower respiratory infections (LRIs) in China. The research was supported by the Liaoning Province Science and Technology Plan Joint Program.

Key Takeaways:

  • The age-standardised incidence rates for URIs and LRIs decreased by 0.03% and 2.12%, respectively, from 1990 to 2021.
  • In 2021, the DALYs decreased from 1,426,557 in 1990 to 649,505 for URIs and from 32,576,310 in 1990 to 4,106,779 for LRIs.
  • The disease burden of respiratory infections in China exhibited a declining trend from 1990 to 2021, with a slight increase in the risk of infection with age.
  • The incidence and mortality rates of URIs and LRIs were significantly influenced by age, period, and birth cohort.
  • The URI and LRI burdens were slightly higher in males compared with females, and were relatively higher in neonates and the elderly.

Statistics:

  • In 2021, the age-standardised incidence rates for URIs and LRIs were 137,469 per 100,000 and 2,853 per 100,000, respectively.
  • The DALYs decreased from 1,426,557 in 1990 to 649,505 in 2021 for URIs, and from 32,576,310 in 1990 to 4,106,779 in 2021 for LRIs.
  • 2,193 deaths from URIs and 206,930 deaths from LRIs were noted in 2021.

Sources:

  • Analysis of Disease Burden and Trends In Non-covid-19 Respiratory Infections In China (1990-2021). BMC Infectious Diseases, 2025;25(1).
  • NewsRx. New COVID-19 Study Results from China Medical University Described [Analysis of Disease Burden and Trends In Non-covid-19 Respiratory Infections In China (1990-2021)]. Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. August 3, 2025; p 84.

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