H1N1 Influenza Cases Rise at Shanghai Children's Hospitals

Some schools have suspended classes recently in many parts of China due to a H1N1 flu outbreak. The Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control said that children infected with the flu are advised to stay in separate rooms. They can return to school 48 hours after flu-like symptoms disappear.

In Shanghai, children's hospitals have reported an increase in influenza cases. In the last two days, the waiting area of the Children's Hospital of Fudan University was almost full. In the central hospital of Fengxian District, there are also many children with flu coming to see the doctor.

As a seasonal infectious disease, the number of H1N1 flu cases has increased rapidly this year. Many children are infected by their families or classmates. For the treatment of influenza, there are special antiviral drugs. At present, the hospitals have secured a normal supply of oseltamivir for flu patients.

The doctor said that the peak of influenza will last for about two weeks. The best preventive measure is vaccination, but now the more important issue is the daily personal protection. Doctors advised people to avoid large crowds, wash their hands frequently, and drink more water and exercise to reduce the risk of contracting influenza.