China's respiratory illnesses spike result of multiple pathogens, Beijing says

The rising number of respiratory illnesses in China is due to multiple pathogens, Beijing says, about four years after COVID-19 was first detected in the Asian country.

National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng said Sunday that influenza is the main disease driving the increase in respiratory illnesses, and people are also being diagnosed with the common cold, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus and others. 

All areas of China must coordinate resources and mobilize to fight the illnesses, Mi also said. Citizens are advised to wear masks and social distance.

Guangzhou University Vice President of Traditional Chinese Medicine Zhang Zhongde said at the conference that people should adjust their diets to include more radishes and "warming foods, such as mutton, beef, chicken, etc."
 
He also advised, as translated: "Soak your feet before going to bed at night, and the effect will be very good. It will improve resistance and disease resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine says that it enhances righteousness and resists the invasion of evil spirit."

The information comes after the World Health Organization asked China to provide information about a report of undiagnosed pneumonia in children. 

The spike is still not as high as before the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO pandemic preparedness official Maria Van Kerkhove said, Reuters reported Monday.

COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The FBI and U.S. lawmakers have said evidence indicates the pandemic was the result of a lab leak.

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