More than 5,000 people are stricken with the flu every day in Beijing, among whom 58 percent are under 15 years old and five percent are above 60, Beijing Evening News reported today.

Almost eight percent of the patients in Beijing hospitals are suffering from a flu or cold, which have been sweeping the Chinese capital since January 1, according to the Beijing Center for Diseases Control and Prevention.

"The number of patients with the flu or colds has doubled in many Beijing hospitals, breaking records," said Liu Zejun, director of the center.

Flu sufferers accounted for 2.4 percent of the 2.3 million patients in Beijing's 67 hospitals, which are included in the municipal disease monitoring system.

Since December, the proportion has risen from three percent to nearly five percent, and hit eight percent after New Year's Day.

There were 8,000 outpatients at Beijing Children's Hospital last Friday, 1,000 more than the same day last year, and seven percent of them were complaining of flu or cold symptoms, according to the hospital.

Many major Beijing hospitals are reporting the similar situation and many had to switch into emergency mode.

More than 6,370 outpatients visited Beijing Chaoyang Hospital last Friday, while Boai Hospital doubled its patients from last year.

"Not everyone has the flu, some just have a common cold. The ratio is not much higher than last year's and will drop in the last 10 days of this month," Liu said.

An increase of the flu and colds in December and January is normal, and the "rise" does not mean an "outbreak," Liu said.

According to the Beijing Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, the main flu virus this year is very similar to last year's, and the existing vaccination is still effective.

Around 500,000 people were vaccinated against the flu this year, 300,000 less than last year, Liu said.

The sharp drop in temperature and recent "thick dirty" fog are the main reasons for the rise in cases, said Wang Zhi from Boai Hospital.

Experts suggested people visit smaller hospitals and stay at home if they catch a cold to avoid infecting others.