Chinese Hospitals Brace for Surge in Respiratory Illnesses

A recent upsurge in respiratory illnesses across China has seen the concurrent spread of multiple pathogens, prompting health authorities to prepare hospitals for a surge in patient admissions, officials and experts confirmed to China Daily on Sunday.
Mi Feng, spokesman for the National Health Commission, disclosed during a news briefing that while influenza remains the dominant respiratory virus, rhinovirus, mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus are concurrently spreading.

Wang Huaqing, chief immunization planning expert at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted the prevalence of influenza and rhinovirus among toddlers aged 1 to 4 and influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and adenovirus among children aged 5 to 14.

"Multiple pathogens are coexisting during this peak season for respiratory disease," Wang stated, advising the public to get vaccinated and adopt protective measures.

Hospitals have witnessed a surge in infections, leading to capacity constraints and difficulties in accessing medical care, especially in pediatric facilities, amid the ongoing surge in respiratory cases.

Mi emphasized the need for hospitals to expand clinics, particularly for respiratory, fever, and pediatric services, extend operating hours, and ensure a continuous supply of medicines.