CDC issues autumn flu warning

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) on Sunday warned of the likelihood that flu may spread from November. The spread of the flu virus will peak in December and January, it forecast, adding that human migration and gathering in the upcoming week-long National Day holiday can also cause a spread of the virus. The China CDC advised that precautions be taken, especially by schools, kindergartens, senior care homes, pregnant women, the elderly, infants and patients with chronic diseases. The health watchdog suggested people lead a healthy lifestyle, enhance immunity and ensure ventilation in order to prevent flu and other respiratory diseases. Vaccination is the most effective method to guard against flu, it added, suggesting pregnant women, seniors, babies, sufferers of chronic diseases and medical staff be vaccinated so as to enhance immunity. Meanwhile, there have been no reports of human infection by H7N9 bird flu in the last two months, according to the CDC. H7N9 cases in China reached 134 by the end of August, with the latest reported patient in south China's Guangdong Province, and the number of deaths to the virus stands at 45, it said, adding that infections have been recorded in 12 provinces and municipalities. The CDC said it would be prepared for the virus' possible spreading in autumn and winter.