China is in the thick of its flu season, and cases are rising fast across the country 🤒✨. As of early December, 17 provinces have hit high epidemic levels, and the rest are at moderate levels—so it’s gotten real! The National Health Commission (NHC) just shared some eye-opening stats:
- Over 51% positivity among patients with fever + sore throat/cough (called ILI cases) 📈
- Kids aged 5–14 are testing positive way more than other age groups 🧒👧
- Influenza A (H3N2) is leading the pack (95%+ of strains), with a few A (H1N1) and B cases mixed in!
- Experts predict the national peak for early to mid-Dec—just around the corner 🎯
School clusters and elderly care homes are seeing more outbreaks than last year. To keep things from spiraling, the NHC is rolling out some cool moves:
🏥 Boosting Healthcare Capacity
- New fever clinics, extra beds & extended hours (even evenings & weekends!)
- Test-before-diagnosis model to slash wait times ⚡
- Pediatrics & internal med specialists heading to community hospitals
- Mix of Traditional Chinese & Western medicine for integrated care
- Streamlined referrals & expert consults for serious cases
- Stockpiling antivirals, fever reducers & pediatric meds 💊
👶 Focus on Moms & Kids
- All 1,763 Class II & III maternal-child hospitals now offer pediatric care
- 74% have night clinics; 93% open on weekends
- 3,304 hospitals are child-friendly certified
- Since July, 1.24M vaccine doses given at 1,473 centers 💉
- 22,000+ education sessions via parent schools reaching 15M parents, teachers & students 📚
With flu numbers still climbing, experts say the best defense is early vaccination, top-notch hygiene (think regular handwashing & masks when needed), and quick medical check-ups if you feel off. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s get through this season together! 💪✨
Reference(s):
China strengthens response for vulnerable groups amid flu peak
cgtn.com
