One Hundred Years of Influenza Since the 1918 Pandemic — Is China Prepared Today?

Almost 100 years after the 1918 influenza pandemic, China experienced its largest, most widespread epidemic of human infections with avian influenza A (H7N9), the influenza virus with the greatest pandemic potential of all influenza viruses assessed to date by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Influenza Risk Assessment Tool. This historical review describes how China was affected by the 1918, 1958, 1968, and 2009 influenza pandemics, records milestones in China’s capacity to detect and respond to influenza threats, and identifies remaining challenges for pandemic preparedness. This review suggests that past influenza pandemics have improved China’s national capabilities such that China has become a global leader in influenza detection and response. Further enhancing China’s pandemic preparedness to address remaining challenges requires government commitment and increased investment in China’s public health and healthcare systems.