A cold epidemic is spreading over Beijing, causing heavy pressure upon its hospitals and clinics.   Chinanews, Beijing, January 9 – A cold epidemic is spreading over Beijing, causing heavy pressure upon its hospitals and clinics. Fortunately, the epidemic has little to do with deadly influenza, as less than 30% of the patients are confirmed to be infected with influenza virus (68,374 out of 2,514,618 cases).

 

However, the incidence of influenza is rising to 7.29% (the figure in the same period last year being 4.49%), especially among children and senior citizens, who take up 63% of the patients.

 

According to the data from China National Influenza Monitoring Network, no mutation of the virus has been found in the country yet, thus there is no need to worry about a severe influenza epidemic in the near future.

 

The cold epidemic in Beijing is caused by the changeable weather and air pollution. It is estimated that the peak of the epidemic will not end before February.