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Hospitals across the Chinese mainland are reporting a spike in respiratory illnesses this winter—the first flu season without COVID-19 restrictions since 2020. Pediatric wards in northern regions are particularly busy, with cases driven by familiar viruses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). But how worried should we be?
Three health experts broke it down in a recent panel:
Dr. Alice Hyun-Kyung Tan, an internist at MizMedi Women’s Hospital, emphasized that ’known pathogens’ are behind the surge. ’This isn’t a mystery virus,’ she said. ’It’s similar to flu waves seen globally post-lockdowns as immunity dipped.’
Wu Zhiwei, a public health professor at Nanjing University, cautioned against blaming masks: ’Protective measures saved lives during COVID. What we’re seeing now is a rebound effect—people mingling more freely again.’
Dr. Christopher KM Hui, part of Hong Kong’s COVID-19 task force, urged calm: ’Hospitals are prepared. Boost hygiene, get vaccinated, and seek care early if symptoms worsen.’
While the surge echoes post-pandemic trends seen in Europe and North America last year, experts agree: Stay alert, not anxious. Time to dust off those hand sanitizers!
