Hospitals rise to challenge of respiratory illnesses

Wang Huaqing, chief immunization planning expert at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a news conference on Sunday that influenza and rhinovirus are now most prevalent among 1- to 4-year-olds, while children in the 5-14 age bracket are now experiencing influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia and adenovirus infections.

The surge in young patients has piled pressure on pediatric facilities striving to optimize procedures, raise staffing levels and arrange resources to meet demand.

Health professionals have advised parents not to become unduly worried during the seasonal outbreaks and to use online medical consultations or community clinics to avoid overcrowding at major hospitals.

Han Tongyan, head of Peking University Third Hospital's pediatric unit, said that throughout her 20-plus years of practicing medicine she has never seen two emergency physicians taking night shifts — from 9 pm to 8 am- at the unit at the same time.