Surging Flu Cases Across the Chinese Mainland
On December 5, 2025, the National Health Commission (NHC) reported that 17 provinces had reached high epidemic levels in this winter's influenza season, with remaining provinces at moderate stages. The positivity rate among patients with influenza-like illness—fever of 38°C or higher plus a sore throat or cough—has hit 51%, and children aged five to 14 are testing positive more often than any other age group.
"The influenza A (H3N2) subtype remains dominant, accounting for over 95% of circulating strains," says Wang Dayan, director of the National Influenza Center at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Sporadic cases of A (H1N1) and B-type viruses are also being reported, but no novel pathogens have been identified. Experts expect the nationwide peak in influenza activity to occur between early and mid-December.
This season, cluster outbreaks in schools and elderly care facilities have surged beyond last year’s levels, prompting the NHC to coordinate a nationwide response.
Expanding Healthcare Capacity
To ease pressure on major hospitals, authorities are redirecting patients to community clinics, opening all necessary fever clinics, adding consultation rooms and beds, and extending service hours into evenings and weekends. Clinic schedules are now publicly shared, making it easier for families to plan visits.
A "test-before-diagnosis" model is streamlining services, reducing wait times by integrating pediatric and internal medicine specialists into local hospitals. Traditional Chinese and Western medicine are being combined, referral channels optimized, and expert consultations arranged for severe cases. National and regional medical centers, along with infectious disease facilities, are reinforcing their roles as hubs for critical care.
The NHC has bolstered the management of essential medicines and supplies—antivirals, fever reducers and pediatric drugs—while hospitals maintain sufficient equipment to meet rising demand.
Protecting Mothers, Children and Seniors
By the end of November, all 1,763 Class II and III maternal and child health hospitals on the Chinese mainland were providing pediatric care; 74.3% offered night clinics, and 92.5% operated on weekends. More than 3,300 hospitals now meet "child-friendly" facility standards.
Vaccination efforts are in full swing: since July 1, 2025, over 1.24 million flu vaccine doses have been administered at 1,473 certified maternal and child health centers. Public health education has also expanded—"parent schools" at more than 82% of institutions have delivered 22,000 sessions to nearly 15 million parents, teachers and students since September. Over 90% of these centers partner with local preschools and kindergartens to ensure regular training on preventing childhood respiratory infections.
Staying Ahead
With influenza activity still rising, experts urge timely vaccination, good hygiene practices and early medical consultation. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure all residents—especially vulnerable groups like children and seniors—receive timely, effective care throughout the peak months.
Reference(s):
China strengthens response for vulnerable groups amid flu peak
cgtn.com
