North China hosptials face increase in flu patients

World Today

Hospitals in North China are working overtime to combat an increase in flu cases. CCTV’s Ning Hong reported this story from Hebei Province.

Hospitals across the region are full, with many of the sick either very young or very old.

The number of patients at the People’s First Hospital of Shijiazhuang has increased by 50 percent, said the hospital’s pneumology department director He Zhihong.

“Most have a fever. Some have even lost consciousness and have convulsive symptoms,” He said.

Doctors say seasonal flu is quite common in the winter months, and the drier air this year has accelerated the spread of the virus.

While doctors are cautious about using antibiotics, as it can lead to drug resistance, it is still one the most effective ways to treat the flu.

“Normally we don’t use antibiotics on the common flu except for some patients with serious complications,” He said. “But for infections in the lung, antibiotics are necessary.”