Get a flu shot, health expert says as China grapples with respiratory illness wave

Name: China calls for people to 'minimise personal movement and visits' as respiratory illness cases surge
Uploaded: 2023-12-02T13:30:07.000Z
Duration: 2 min 43 s
Description: China calls for people to 'minimise personal movement and visits' as respiratory illness cases surge

National Health Commission is monitoring cases to ensure medical supplies and vaccines get to those who need them

No new or unusual pathogens detected and long-standing treatment methods available, authorities say

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Chinese health authorities say no new or unusual pathogens have been found in the wave of respiratory cases. Photo: AP

Vanessa Caiin Shanghai

Published: 9:30pm, 2 Dec 2023

Existing treatment methods are proving effective in a wave of acute respiratory illnesses across the country, Chinese health authorities said on Saturday.

National Health Commission (NHC) spokesman Mi Feng said the diseases monitored all had “corresponding mature treatment methods” and were caused by known pathogens.

Cases were being monitored and assessed to help coordinate resources during winter.

“It is necessary to increase paediatric outpatient services and extend service hours,” Mi said, also noting the need to “ensure the supply of medical materials” and “guarantee the supply of vaccines ... and that more elderly people and children receive vaccines as soon as possible”.

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China calls for people to 'minimise personal movement and visits' as respiratory illness cases surge

Chinese social media has been awash in the past few months with photos of children on intravenous drips in crowded hospitals in cities such as Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai.