China's Respiratory Illness Surge: What You Need to Know

The spike in respiratory illnesses currently seen in China is not as high as pre-pandemic levels, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) official. The increase is attributed to a rise in children contracting pathogens that they had avoided during COVID-19 restrictions. The WHO has confirmed that no new or unusual pathogens have been found in the recent cases. China's National Health Commission has linked the surge to the simultaneous circulation of several pathogens, including influenza. Health officials are urging local authorities to increase the number of fever clinics as hospitals report long waits, particularly in areas with high cases among children. There are concerns of a potential second wave during the New Year holidays.