China strengthens response for vulnerable groups amid flu peak

China is experiencing its influenza season, with cases rising across the country. The National Health Commission (NHC) on Friday reported that 17 provinces had reached high epidemic levels, while the remaining provinces remain at moderate levels.

The positivity rate for influenza among patients with influenza-like illness (ILI), defined as a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher with sore throat or cough, visiting outpatient and emergency departments has reached 51 percent. Children aged five to 14 show a significantly higher positivity rate than other age groups.

"The influenza A (H3N2) subtype remains dominant, accounting for more than 95 percent of circulating strains," said Wang Dayan, director of the National Influenza Center at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). "Sporadic cases of A (H1N1) and B-type flu viruses have also been reported. Although H3N2 has circulated in humans for decades, minor antigenic variations continue to occur. Importantly, no novel pathogens or newly emerging infectious diseases have been identified."

According to the latest surveillance data, experts anticipate the nationwide peak to occur in early to mid-December. Cluster outbreaks are rising sharply this season, particularly in schools and elderly care facilities, exceeding figures from last year. The NHC has coordinated efforts nationwide to expand medical capacity and ensure adequate access to treatment.

Expanding healthcare capacity

The NHC has directed local authorities, especially in major cities, to improve medical resource coordination. To ease pressure on large hospitals, patients are being directed to nearby clinics. Hospitals are opening all necessary fever clinics, adding consultation rooms and beds, and extending service hours to evenings and weekends. Clinic schedules are being publicly shared to help residents plan visits.

Medical services are being streamlined through a "test-before-diagnosis" model to reduce wait times. Pediatric and internal medicine specialists are deployed to community hospitals, integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Referral channels are optimized, and expert consultations arranged for severe cases. National and regional medical centers, along with major infectious disease facilities, are reinforcing their roles as hubs for critical care and emergency response.

The NHC has also strengthened management of essential medicines and supplies, including antivirals, fever reducers and pediatric drugs, while hospitals are required to maintain sufficient equipment and materials to meet patient demand.

Focus on maternal and child health

Maternal and child health institutions have stepped up pediatric and vaccination services to maintain stable care during the winter flu surge. By the end of November, all 1,763 Class II and III maternal and child health hospitals were providing pediatric care; 74.3 percent offered night clinics, and 92.5 percent operated weekend services. In addition, 3,304 hospitals now meet "child-friendly" facility standards.

Vaccination efforts continue. Since July 1, 2025, 1.242 million flu vaccine doses have been administered at 1,473 certified maternal and child health institutions.

Public health education has expanded through "parent schools" in over 82 percent of institutions, covering personal protection, medication, vaccination and respiratory illness prevention. Since September, about 22,000 education sessions have reached nearly 15 million parents, teachers and students. Over 90 percent of maternal and child health institutions have partnered with nearby preschools and kindergartens to provide regular public health training aimed at preventing childhood respiratory infections. 

With influenza activity still rising, experts emphasize timely vaccination, good hygiene and early medical consultation. Authorities continue to monitor the epidemic closely and ensure all citizens – especially vulnerable groups – receive timely and effective care.