Illustration - Honey

Illustration - Honey

FRANCE. ALPES-MARITIMES (06) VALBONNE. AFSSA LABORATORIES. SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS SITE. THE OIE AND FAO REFERENCE LABORATORY FOR BEE DISEASES DIAGNOSES THE MAIN BEE DISEASES AND CARRIES OUT PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF HIVE PRODUCTS. ITS ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE FIGHT AGAINST VARROASIS, THE STUDY OF BEE VIRUSES AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BEES AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT. Photo by Christophe Lepetit/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Honey

Illustration - Honey

FRANCE. ALPES-MARITIMES (06) VALBONNE. SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS SITE. AFSSA LABORATORIES. THE OIE AND FAO REFERENCE LABORATORY FOR BEE DISEASES DIAGNOSES THE MAIN BEE DISEASES AND CARRIES OUT PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF HIVE PRODUCTS. ITS ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE FIGHT AGAINST VARROASIS, THE STUDY OF BEE VIRUSES AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BEES AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT. Photo by Christophe Lepetit/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Honey

Illustration - Honey

FRANCE. ALPES-MARITIMES (06) VALBONNE. AFSSA LABORATORIES. SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS SITE. THE OIE AND FAO REFERENCE LABORATORY FOR BEE DISEASES DIAGNOSES THE MAIN BEE DISEASES AND CARRIES OUT PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF HIVE PRODUCTS. ITS ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE FIGHT AGAINST VARROASIS, THE STUDY OF BEE VIRUSES AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BEES AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT. Photo by Christophe Lepetit/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Honey

Illustration - Honey

FRANCE. ALPES-MARITIMES (06) VALBONNE. SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS SITE. AFSSA LABORATORIES. THE OIE AND FAO REFERENCE LABORATORY FOR BEE DISEASES DIAGNOSES THE MAIN BEE DISEASES AND CARRIES OUT PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF HIVE PRODUCTS. ITS ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE FIGHT AGAINST VARROASIS, THE STUDY OF BEE VIRUSES AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BEES AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT. Photo by Christophe Lepetit/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Honey

Illustration - Honey

FRANCE. ALPES-MARITIMES (06) VALBONNE. THE AFSSA LABORATORIES IN THE SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS BUSINESS PARK. THE OIE AND FAO LABORATORIES FOR BEE DISEASES PROVIDES DIAGNOSIS FOR THE MAIN DISEASES IN BEES AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSES OF PRODUCE FROM THE HIVES. ITS ACTIONS: FIGHTING VARROA; STUDIES OF BEE VIRUSES; RELATION OF THE BEE WITH ITS ENVIRONMENT ACUTE OR CHRONIC INTOXICATION OF BEES BY PESTICIDES QUALITY OF THE PRODUCE OF THE HIVES AND RESEARCH INTO THE RESIDUES (ANTIBIOTICS; PESTICIDES; HEAVY METALS) IN HONEY AND BEES Photo by Christophe Lepetit/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - While the various influenza viruses are particularly severe and the epidemic peak has not been reached, the health authorities have decided to extend the vaccination campaign until February 28, 2025. Photo by Jean Pierre Nguyen Van Hai Barbier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - While the various influenza viruses are particularly severe and the epidemic peak has not been reached, the health authorities have decided to extend the vaccination campaign until February 28, 2025. Photo by Jean Pierre Nguyen Van Hai Barbier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - While the various influenza viruses are particularly severe and the epidemic peak has not been reached, the health authorities have decided to extend the vaccination campaign until February 28, 2025. Photo by Jean Pierre Nguyen Van Hai Barbier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - While the various influenza viruses are particularly severe and the epidemic peak has not been reached, the health authorities have decided to extend the vaccination campaign until February 28, 2025. Photo by Jean Pierre Nguyen Van Hai Barbier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - While the various influenza viruses are particularly severe and the epidemic peak has not been reached, the health authorities have decided to extend the vaccination campaign until February 28, 2025. Photo by Jean Pierre Nguyen Van Hai Barbier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - While the various influenza viruses are particularly severe and the epidemic peak has not been reached, the health authorities have decided to extend the vaccination campaign until February 28, 2025. Photo by Jean Pierre Nguyen Van Hai Barbier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - Influenza vaccine and COVID_19

Illustration - While the various influenza viruses are particularly severe and the epidemic peak has not been reached, the health authorities have decided to extend the vaccination campaign until February 28, 2025. Photo by Jean Pierre Nguyen Van Hai Barbier/ABACAPRESS.COM

China sees decline in acute respiratory illnesses

STORY: China sees decline in acute respiratory illnesses SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 24, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 24, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:48 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): PENG ZHIBIN, Official from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention STORYLINE: China has seen a decline in acute respiratory illnesses, a trend that is expected to continue in the coming week, a health official said on Sunday. SOUNDBITE(Chinese): PENG ZHIBIN, Official from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention "According to monitoring data from Dec. 11th to 17th, cases of acute respiratory diseases in China have been declining. Generally, the recent surge in respiratory illnesses is mainly due to the influenza virus, with additional cases caused by other pathogens. Flu reaches a high level but shows a declining trend. Activities of mycoplasma pneumonia, adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses fluctuate, while novel coronavirus activity is at its lowest level in 2023. Experts p

China CDC issues health advisory to promote influenza vaccination awareness

STORY: China CDC issues health advisory to promote influenza vaccination awareness SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 2, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 5, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:24 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. wide of the press conference 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): WANG DAYAN, Head of the Chinese National Influenza Center under the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention STORYLINE: The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) has released a health advisory recommending influenza vaccination in response to a winter surge in respiratory diseases. The advisory underscores that influenza vaccination is a cost-effective and efficient approach to preemptively tackle influenza viruses and mitigate the risk of severe infections and fatalities related to influenza. It will significantly alleviate the strain on medical institutions caused by influenza-related health issues, the advisory notes. Addressing public concerns about optimal timing for vaccination, the advisory clarifies that, while th

China takes action to combat rise of acute respiratory infections

STORY: China takes action to combat rise of acute respiratory infections SHOOTING TIME: Earlier footage DATELINE: Nov. 30, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:00 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of hospitals and patients in China STORYLINE: China is taking measures to address the recent increase in acute respiratory infections caused by different respiratory pathogens as the country enters the winter season. Officials have said that the recent respiratory infectious diseases are mainly due to the influenza virus, with additional cases caused by rhinoviruses, mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory syncytial viruses, and adenoviruses. The National Health Commission has instructed localities to ensure the implementation of classified diagnosis and treatment and make public information about medical facilities with pediatric services and fever clinics to help patients find the nearest hospital to them. China has also promoted online diagnosis and treatment to meet the needs of patients, leveraging internet

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Prepare syringe for Covid vaccine. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Vaccine for Covid. Vaccination of people aged 60 and over. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Flu vaccination. Vaccination of people aged 60 and over. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Flu vaccination. Vaccination of people aged 60 and over. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Flu vaccination. Vaccination of people aged 60 and over. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Vaccine for Covid. Vaccination of people aged 60 and over. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Flu vaccination. Vaccination of people aged 60 and over. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Prepare syringe for Covid vaccine. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Vaccine for Covid. Vaccination of people aged 60 and over. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Prepare syringe for Covid vaccine. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Vaccination of people aged 60 and over. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

A vial of covid vaccine, Comirnaty. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign In France

Vaccination of people aged 60 and over. The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 17, while the Covid-19 booster campaign began on October 2. The 2 viruses circulate over the same autumn period. France, Montauban on October 17, 2023. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain ends face mask mandate in hospitals, pharmacies

STORY: Spain ends face mask mandate in hospitals, pharmacies DATELINE: July 6, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:19 LOCATION: BARCELONA, Spain CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of people walking on the streets in Spain (file) 2. various of hospitals, nursing homes and pharmacies 3. SOUNDBITE (Catalan): RAFAEL PADROS, Occupational risk prevention service manager at Barcelona's Sant Pau Hospital 4. various of people in Spain STORYLINE: The Spanish government on Tuesday declared an end to the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and said people no longer have to wear masks in hospitals, health centers and pharmacies. A medical expert suggested that the use of face masks will remain a recommended precautionary measure in certain areas. SOUNDBITE (Catalan): RAFAEL PADROS, Occupational risk prevention service manager at Barcelona's Sant Pau Hospital "Depending on the viruses in the medical community, it's possible that the use of masks will fluctuate in hospitals. For example, when the flu season starts, we migh

"Tripledemic" impacts nearly 40 pct of U.S. households: survey

STORY: "Tripledemic" impacts nearly 40 pct of U.S. households: survey DATELINE: Feb. 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:09 LOCATION: NEW YORK, U.S. CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): XIA LIN, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of web pages about KFF's survey 3. various of the U.S. street views STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): XIA LIN, Xinhua correspondent "This winter's 'tripledemic' of respiratory viruses impacted nearly 40 percent of U.S. households, with someone there getting sick with the flu, COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The flu and RSV hit much harder and earlier this year than in years past, as viruses kept at bay during the pandemic height began infecting people again following the resumption of every-day activities. According to a new survey from Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the overlap between influenza, RSV and a cold-weather surge in coronavirus infections led to concerns of a so-called 'tripledemic.' The flu affected 27 percent of households over the past month or so, with 15

Vertical farms seen in Israel's supermarkets

STORY: Vertical farms seen in Israel's supermarkets DATELINE: Dec. 28, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:24 LOCATION: Jerusalem CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): NICK KOLYOHIN, Xinhua reporter 2. various of "vertical farms" 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RONEN REDEL, Vice President of Business Development at Vertical Field 4. various of a supermarket 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): GILAD MAREK, Chief Agronomist of Vertical Field STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): NICK KOLYOHIN, Xinhua reporter "I'm standing at the sterilized container and that's why I'm dressed like that, so I wouldn't bring any bacteria or viruses inside of this environment. And the Israeli company Vertical Field that's in charge of this facility believes it would be the future of agriculture, where plants, and in the future more kinds of crops and vegetables and fruits would be able to be grown in the sterilized environment without any added chemicals or pesticides and the fully clean products would be without any viruses or bacteria and the prices

U.S. pharmacies limit sales of children's medications amid "tripledemic"

STORY: U.S. pharmacies limit sales of children's medications amid "tripledemic" DATELINE: Dec. 22, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:18 LOCATION: NEW YORK, the United States CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): XIA LIN, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of a CVS store 3. various of the statement released by Walgreens 4. various of a CVS store 5. various of the Times Square, New York STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): XIA LIN, Xinhua correspondent "U.S. pharmacies CVS and Walgreens are limiting purchases of children's pain-relief medications amid a winter 'tripledemic' of respiratory viruses. CVS said in a statement it is restricting both in-person and online purchases of two children's pain relief products. Walgreens has also limited online purchases of six over-the-counter fever reducers per transaction. 'Due to increased demand and various supplier challenges, over-the-counter pediatric fever reducing products are seeing constraint across the country,' said Walgreens in a statement. A spokesperson for the U.S. Dep

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

(221219) -- LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A child receives a COVID-19 vaccine shot in Los Angeles, the United States, on Dec. 17, 2022. COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations continue to rise in Los Angeles County, in the western U.S. state of California, surpassing numbers seen at this time last year. The county is facing the threat of "tridemic" of COVID surge, a bad flu season and a burgeoning number of RSV cases, staining hospitals and medical staff. (Xinhua)

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

(221219) -- LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Health workers administer COVID-19 vaccine shots to local residents in Los Angeles, the United States, on Dec. 17, 2022. COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations continue to rise in Los Angeles County, in the western U.S. state of California, surpassing numbers seen at this time last year. The county is facing the threat of "tridemic" of COVID surge, a bad flu season and a burgeoning number of RSV cases, staining hospitals and medical staff. (Xinhua)

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

(221219) -- LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A health worker administers a flu vaccine shot to a local resident in Los Angeles, the United States, on Dec. 17, 2022. COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations continue to rise in Los Angeles County, in the western U.S. state of California, surpassing numbers seen at this time last year. The county is facing the threat of "tridemic" of COVID surge, a bad flu season and a burgeoning number of RSV cases, staining hospitals and medical staff. (Xinhua)

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

(221219) -- LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A child receives a COVID-19 vaccine shot in Los Angeles, the United States, on Dec. 17, 2022. COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations continue to rise in Los Angeles County, in the western U.S. state of California, surpassing numbers seen at this time last year. The county is facing the threat of "tridemic" of COVID surge, a bad flu season and a burgeoning number of RSV cases, staining hospitals and medical staff. (Xinhua)

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

(221219) -- LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A health worker administers a COVID-19 vaccine shot to a local resident in Los Angeles, the United States, on Dec. 17, 2022. COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations continue to rise in Los Angeles County, in the western U.S. state of California, surpassing numbers seen at this time last year. The county is facing the threat of "tridemic" of COVID surge, a bad flu season and a burgeoning number of RSV cases, staining hospitals and medical staff. (Xinhua)

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

(221219) -- LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A health worker administers a flu vaccine shot to a local resident in Los Angeles, the United States, on Dec. 17, 2022. COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations continue to rise in Los Angeles County, in the western U.S. state of California, surpassing numbers seen at this time last year. The county is facing the threat of "tridemic" of COVID surge, a bad flu season and a burgeoning number of RSV cases, staining hospitals and medical staff. (Xinhua)

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

(221219) -- LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A health worker administers a COVID-19 vaccine shot to a local resident in Los Angeles, the United States, on Dec. 17, 2022. COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations continue to rise in Los Angeles County, in the western U.S. state of California, surpassing numbers seen at this time last year. The county is facing the threat of "tridemic" of COVID surge, a bad flu season and a burgeoning number of RSV cases, staining hospitals and medical staff. (Xinhua)

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-VACCINATION

(221219) -- LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A health worker prepares a flu vaccine shot before administering it to a local resident in Los Angeles, the United States, on Dec. 17, 2022. COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations continue to rise in Los Angeles County, in the western U.S. state of California, surpassing numbers seen at this time last year. The county is facing the threat of "tridemic" of COVID surge, a bad flu season and a burgeoning number of RSV cases, staining hospitals and medical staff. (Xinhua)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

(221216) -- WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A man wearing a face mask is seen on a street in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 16, 2022. The United States continues to see a surge in respiratory viruses including COVID-19, flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which have left hospitals overwhelmed and understaffed to cope with increasing patients. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

(221216) -- WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A man wearing a face mask is seen on a street in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 16, 2022. The United States continues to see a surge in respiratory viruses including COVID-19, flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which have left hospitals overwhelmed and understaffed to cope with increasing patients. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

(221216) -- WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A man wearing a face mask is seen on a street in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 16, 2022. The United States continues to see a surge in respiratory viruses including COVID-19, flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which have left hospitals overwhelmed and understaffed to cope with increasing patients. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

(221216) -- WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A man wearing a face mask is seen on a street in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 16, 2022. The United States continues to see a surge in respiratory viruses including COVID-19, flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which have left hospitals overwhelmed and understaffed to cope with increasing patients. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

(221216) -- WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A man wearing a face mask is seen on a street in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 16, 2022. The United States continues to see a surge in respiratory viruses including COVID-19, flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which have left hospitals overwhelmed and understaffed to cope with increasing patients. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-RESPIRATORY VIRUSES-SURGE

(221216) -- WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A woman wearing a face mask is seen on a street in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 16, 2022. The United States continues to see a surge in respiratory viruses including COVID-19, flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which have left hospitals overwhelmed and understaffed to cope with increasing patients. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

Ohki Pharmaceutical to launch masks to guard against bird flu viruses

Ohki Pharmaceutical to launch masks to guard against bird flu viruses

TOKYO, Japan - Ohki Pharmaceutical Co. said on Dec. 14 that it will launch a new mask to guard against bird influenza viruses in Japan on Jan. 20. The mask, which meets the European Union standard as recommended by the World Health Organization, will be useful if a bird flu epidemic hits Japan, the Tokyo-based company said. The mask consists of four fine nonwoven fabric layers to shut out or absorb bird flu viruses to prevent these viruses from entering into the mouth or nose.

Shiseido unit to launch new mask to cut flu virus

Shiseido unit to launch new mask to cut flu virus

TOKYO, Japan - A model wears the disposable Nanoblock Virus Cut Mask developed by FT Shiseido Co., a subsidiary of cosmetics maker Shiseido Co. The mask has an antibody filter to trap flu viruses and utilize the antibody's binding reaction to contain them.

Mitsubishi Heavy to launch anti-virus mask in Japan

Mitsubishi Heavy to launch anti-virus mask in Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. said Feb. 6 it will launch on Feb. 14 in Japan a mask (worn by a model) that it believes can inactivate 80% of viruses, including SARS and bird flu virus, with its special enzyme-woven fabric. Mitsubishi Heavy, one of Japan's largest aviation and defense equipment makers, said the Beaver Mask to be sold at drugstores across the nation will carry a suggested retail price of 500 yen.

SARS-like viruses found in animals sold as Chinese delicacies

SARS-like viruses found in animals sold as Chinese delicacies

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows a civet cat. A World Health Organization official said May 23 research teams in China and Hong Kong have found viruses related to SARS in animals that are sold for human consumption at markets throughout southern China. Civet cats are among such animals.