Beijing's Flu Outbreak: BJU Doctors Weigh In
Reports from all over the world seem to agree: The flu has been particularly widespread and hard-hitting this season. Beijing has been no exception. Two Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) doctors weigh in.
Dr. Roo Changizi, Chair of the Center for Family Medicine and Integrative Health Care: Once the flu months have set in, it usually takes about three weeks for a minor flu epidemic to peak and another three weeks for it to subside significantly. During a pandemic, flu activity may peak more than once. This season's main virus strain (H3N2) is a nasty one. It can potentially cause many hospitalizations and deaths among the most vulnerable members of the population (mainly the very young and the very old, as well as people with suppressed immunity and chronic unstable conditions).
Dr. Ming Yang, Chair of Pediatrics at BJU: Emergency cases at BJU have been rising greatly since mid-November, and the majority are flu patients. Recently, however, the number of cases has been going down.
What has BJU done to tackle the rapid growth of cases?
Dr. Yang: We launched an emergency response plan. We increased the supply of pediatricians for emergency cases during peak hours (from 6-10 pm), which reduced the waiting time to less than one hour. This helped satisfy the rapidly increasing needs of patients, given that some hospitals closed their emergency services altogether.
Dr. Yang: This flu season hit early, while schools were still open, so the flu spread fast and wide. At the same time, the vaccination rate has been relatively low. In addition, this year’s flu strains have varied compared with previous years. The dry and cold weather also helps the spread.
Is there a gap in knowledge about flu prevention?
Dr. Yang: Some people are fearful about the safety of the flu shot and refuse to get their children vaccinated. Some think that the flu is like the common cold and that their children will get well without treatment. This is wrong. Once it is diagnosed, people should immediately go to the hospital because the best time for anti-flu medicine is within 48 hours of having symptoms. Some people also think that traditional Chinese medicine can be used to prevent or treat the flu. So far, there is not enough clinical evidence showing that it is effective.
What measures can we take against the flu?
Dr. Roo: The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but adopting good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help prevent respiratory illnesses. There also are antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu. Also, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and practice other good health habits, which will help build your immunity against all types of infections. And don’t forget to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill.
Dr. Yang: During flu season, try not go to crowded places. Family members with the flu should reduce close contact with children and wear masks and wash their hands often.
Source: Interview conducted by Ximeng Chen at Global Times
This article features insights from Dr. Roo Changizi (pictured above left), Chair of the Center for Family Medicine and Integrative Health Care, and Dr. Ming Yang (pictured above right), Chair of Pediatrics at BJU. To make an appointment with either of them, please call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191.
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