话题:流感病例激增,药物需求上升
Passage 1
The rapid spread of seasonal influenza in China in recent weeks 1._____(drive) up the demand for a certain antiviral medication, 2._____ has drawn much attention and prompts health experts to warn against hoarding of the pills. The drug baloxavir marboxil, 3._____(sell) under the brand name Xofluza, is approved for use among adults, as well as children age 5 and above. The original market price per strip of Xofluza, 4._____(promise) two 20 - milligram tablets, is 222 yuan ($30) in China. But currently, on some e - commerce platforms, the prescription drug 5._____(sell) at over 300 yuan.
Influenza, a viral infection 6._____ affects the human respiratory system, has been on the rise since December. According to data 7._____(release) by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month, the positivity rate among people visiting hospitals with flu - like symptoms rose 6.2% during the week ending Dec 29 compared with 8._____ week before. "The prevalence of flu in northern provinces is 9._____(many) severe, but the overall level is lower than what was seen during the same period of the last flu season," said the China CDC. In such a situation, it's necessary for people to take these warnings seriously and follow 10._____ doctor's advice.
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Passage 2
In Northeast China's Liaoning province, the number of flu cases 1._____(surge) in December, with an average weekly growth rate of over 123%, local authorities said last week. Official data showed 2._____ the influenza A virus is responsible for more than 99% of positive flu cases nationwide. For the week ending Dec 29, about 99.7% of flu patients 3._____(infect) by the strain.
Speaking about the surging demand for Xofluza, Sun Boyang, a pharmacist at Peking University People's Hospital, told China Central Television that compared with another common flu medication called oseltamivir, the drug baloxavir marboxil is 4._____(easy) to administer. While oseltamivir — sold under the common brand name Tamiflu — is usually 5._____(prescribe) for five consecutive days, with a daily dosage of two tablets, Xofluza only needs 6._____( administer) once throughout the entire course of illness.
As some concerned parents are stocking up on the relatively newer antiviral medication in anticipation of a drug shortage, Sun said that children infected with the flu virus should first be taken to 7._____ hospital for evaluation, and Xofluza should be administered only under professional guidance. Pregnant or lactating women should also take special precautions while using this antiviral medication, 8._____ the pharmacist added. Any antiviral medication is most effective when 9._____( administer) within 48 hours of a confirmed infection, according to Wang Quan, a physician at Capital Medical University's Beijing Children's Hospital. Parents are also advised to administer antipyretic medication carefully based on a child's age and weight, as well as 10._____ drug's composition.
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Passage 3
Pharmaceutical company Roche, 1._____ only supplier of Xofluza in China, allayed fears of a drug shortage and said on Monday that it has sufficient flu medication in stock. The company attaches great importance to securing inventories of Xofluza during this flu season, it added.
However, the proper use of Xofluza is crucial. Children should not be given the drug without 2._____ doctor's advice. Also, pregnant or lactating women need to take special precautions. Wang Quan pointed out that any antiviral medication works best when 3._____(administer) promptly. It's essential that parents understand 4._____ to use these medications correctly.
The spread of influenza is not just a domestic issue but a global concern. 5._____(this) who are more vulnerable, like the elderly and children, need to be especially careful. And 6._____ possible, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. The situation of surging flu cases also reflects the need for better public health awareness. We should all work together to prevent the further spread of the virus. Health experts suggest that people maintain good hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently and wearing masks in crowded places. These simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of 7..____(infect) Moreover, the government and relevant departments should strengthen 8. ____(they)monitoring of the flu situation and ensure the stable supply of essential medications. In addition, more research is needed to develop 9._____(many) effective antiviral drugs in the long run. Only in this way can we better deal with such public health challenges. During this flu season, everyone should play their part10._____ protecting public health.
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