Experts stress good personal hygiene, vaccination as respiratory illnesses rise

Since the risk of respiratory infectious disease has increased as temperatures drop, experts emphasized the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene and getting vaccinated promptly.

Regarding the recent rise in mycoplasma pneumonia infections among children in northern China, respiratory symptoms such as coughing are dominant, with most cases being mild, said Wang Quan, a chief physician from Beijing Children's Hospital, during a press conference held by the National Health Commission on Thursday.

"In most cases, recovery occurs within a week, and home care is sufficient for mild symptoms," Wang said. "Children exhibiting severe symptoms such as fever should seek prompt medical attention."

As winter approaches, the risk of respiratory diseases such as influenza and mycoplasma pneumonia infections increases, with the potential for overlapping transmission due to shared transmission routes, according to Chang Zhaorui, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

She emphasized that vaccination is the most cost-effective method for combating infectious diseases. Additionally, maintaining good personal hygiene, ensuring proper indoor ventilation, and wearing masks are crucial preventive measures.

"There is a monitoring system tracking the trend of respiratory diseases in the country, contributing to disease prevention and public health protection," Chang added.

Mi Feng, spokesman of the National Health Commission, noted that with the arrival of Minor Snow, temperatures drop, making it easier to catch a cold. Meanwhile, it is also an important period for health preservation and disease prevention according to traditional Chinese medicine.

Minor Snow, the second solar term of winter in the traditional Chinese calendar, marks the onset of colder weather.

Yang Zhimin, a chief physician of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offered practical tips from a Chinese medicine perspective, including engaging in gentle exercise and incorporating dietary supplements tailored to individual physical conditions.

Li Shangyi contributed to this story.