China’s state-run Global Times on Friday quoted epidemiologists who claimed the surge of pneumonia, influenza, bacterial infections, and coronavirus cases was not too far out of line with projections for China’s autumn and winter sick seasons, although their comments implied influenza infections severe enough to require hospital visits were picking up steam a little earlier than usual in the southern provinces.
that “Covid-19 still exists and is still spreading,” but it no longer seems to “cause severe cases or lead to many deaths.” Only about eight percent of current coronavirus patients are presenting with symptoms of pneumonia.
The big concern at China’s hospitals this season is mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), a bacterial lung infection that is usually mild, but can weaken the patient’s immune system and increase their risk of contracting severe influenza. Chinese school-age children are especially prone to contracting MPP.
This prompted health officials to issue early public advisories to “take precautions in a timely manner,” including the return of sanitary masks. The Global Times described the mask warnings as “advisories” at present, rather than compulsory mandates. Masks are especially encouraged in areas where children and the elderly tend to congregate, such as schools and medical facilities.