Beijing flu kills 4 amid peak season

Four people were killed by influenza within two weeks in Beijing, according to the city's disease control authorities. From Dec. 31, 2012 to Jan. 13, 2013, three were reported dead from A/H1N1 flu, and another person died of ordinary flu, said a statement issued by the city's disease control and prevention center on Thursday. Pang Xinghuo, deputy director with the center, said the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 viruses are spreading in Beijing, with more flu cases expected in the coming days. Pang advised residents, especially the elderly, children and chronic disease sufferers, to prevent from flu by washing hands more frequently and staying in open air while in public places. The Ministry of Health said last week the flu season that started in China's northern provinces in December is expected to peak with infections in the next few weeks.