In the article, Zhang claims that influenza peaks are common at this time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is defending China by saying it shared the virus gene sequences with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database, briefed the WHO, and reported relevant info to the Chinese media.
One expert stated that "some Western people have fallen into an abnormal hysteria toward China, coupled with the relative decline of Western governance capabilities," according to the article.
While it rarely happens, Zhang warned the public that it is important to learn to monitor when respiratory cases become severe, as influenza could lead to pneumonia and breathing difficulties.