The National Health Commission held a press conference to introduce the prevention and treatment of winter respiratory diseases

The National Health Commission held a press conference on December 24 (Sunday) to introduce the prevention and control of winter respiratory diseases.

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National Health Commission Spokesperson and Deputy Director of the Publicity Department

Mi Feng

Good afternoon, friends from the media! Welcome to the press conference held by the National Health Commission.

Recently, the number of outpatient and emergency respiratory disease diagnosis and treatment in medical institutions across the country has continued to fluctuate and decline. Data show that on December 22, the total number of outpatient and emergency respiratory disease diagnosis and treatment in medical institutions above the second level across the country decreased by 8.2% compared with the same period last week, and decreased by 30.02% compared with the peak period.
We should further closely track the epidemic trends of respiratory diseases at home and abroad, changes in pathogens and virus mutations, strengthen situation analysis and monitoring and early warning. We should further expand medical resources, ensure the supply of medicines, and improve the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment. We should further strengthen the classified and graded health service management of key groups and do a good job in vaccination.

The recent cold wave weather has affected a wide range of areas and has caused a large drop in temperature. We must improve the speed of medical emergency response, strengthen outpatient and emergency medical services, especially nighttime emergency medical services, to meet the normal medical needs of the people. We must continuously improve the level of diagnosis and treatment for common injuries and diseases such as frostbite, fractures, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases caused by low temperature, rain, snow and freezing weather.

Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, patients with chronic basic diseases and outdoor workers are the key groups that need special attention during cold waves. They should pay attention to keeping warm, prevent slipping and falling, and seek medical attention in time if they experience frostbite, hypothermia, chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness and other symptoms.

The CPC Central Committee and the State Council are always concerned about the people in the earthquake-stricken areas of Gansu and Qinghai. The two national emergency medical rescue teams dispatched by the National Health Commission and national experts in critical care, orthopedics, general surgery, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, psychology and other specialties, together with local medical staff, opened a green channel to ensure that all the injured are "fully admitted". The "four concentrations" principle of "centralizing resources, experts, injured and sick, and treatment" was implemented in detail, and seriously injured patients were safely transferred. Case management of "one person, one policy" was implemented, and psychological counseling and mobile medical work were organized.

So far, the injured in this earthquake have all received timely and effective treatment, and normal medical services in the disaster area have been restored.

The National Health Commission will work with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Disease Control and Prevention to further coordinate medical resources, strengthen medical personnel in disaster-stricken areas, make every effort to treat the wounded, continue to carry out infectious disease monitoring and risk assessment, carry out drinking water monitoring, environmental disinfection and other health and epidemic prevention work, to ensure that there are no major epidemics after the disaster.

In this press conference, we will continue to introduce the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases in winter. We have invited:

Ms. Fu Wei, Director of the Department of Primary Care Medicine, National Health Commission;

Ms. Peng Zhibin, Director of the Respiratory Infectious Diseases Division, Communicable Disease Management Division, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention;

Ms. Sun Luying, President of Fangshan Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine;

Mr. Xie Yantao, Director of Ciqu Community Health Service Center, Tongzhou District, Beijing;

Ms. Liu Tao, deputy chief physician of general practice at Gumei Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai.

Please ask them to answer reporters' questions together.

Now we will enter the question-and-answer session. Please raise your hands and ask questions. Please inform us of your news organization before asking questions.

Daily Economic News Reporter

In this winter when respiratory diseases are prevalent and the number of patients is high, what role have primary medical and health institutions played? Do primary medical and health institutions have sufficient capacity to play a practical role in the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases? Thank you.

Director General of the Department of Primary Care, National Health Commission

Fu Wei

Thank you for the question. Since the autumn and winter, the demand for medical and health services among urban and rural residents, especially children, has indeed increased significantly. Based on some effective practices in the early response to the COVID-19 epidemic, primary medical and health institutions continue to play an important basic guarantee and service role in providing patients with diagnosis and treatment, especially pediatric diagnosis and treatment services, triage and diversion, health management of key groups, vaccination, and health education.

In order to guide local areas to effectively play the role of grassroots sentinels and guide rational medical treatment, we also encourage local grassroots units to actively carry out related work.

First, we will strengthen the construction of grassroots pediatrics, enrich the team of pediatricians, and organize some general practitioners who have been trained in pediatric disease diagnosis and treatment to provide pediatric diagnosis and treatment services.

Second, the pediatric departments of general hospitals in the jurisdiction are required to connect with grassroots institutions, arrange personnel to provide consultations at the grassroots level, strengthen teaching and guidance, and divert patients.

Third, strengthen knowledge and skills training for grassroots medical personnel in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric and winter and spring respiratory diseases.

Fourth, we use various methods to publicize and guide residents to seek medical treatment at the grassroots level. We have also introduced 10 measures to provide convenient and beneficial grassroots health services, and are continuously deepening their implementation. These are all to make it more convenient and comfortable for the people to seek medical treatment nearby at the grassroots level.

In order to timely grasp these situations at the grassroots level and give full play to the role of grassroots primary diagnosis and diversion, we also continue to carry out daily monitoring of the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases at the grassroots level to dynamically grasp some changing trends.

According to monitoring, from November 26 to the present, the daily number of respiratory disease diagnoses and treatments at the grassroots level accounts for about 40% of the number of respiratory disease diagnoses and treatments in medical institutions across the country.

At the same time, we also insist on weekly monitoring of the allocation of drugs, equipment and materials at the grassroots level. According to our monitoring, more than 95% of the grassroots institutions currently have reserves of traditional Chinese medicine, antipyretics and cough suppressants that can meet the needs of more than two weeks, and more than 90% of the grassroots institutions have equipment such as oxygen meters and oxygen concentrators that meet the standards. The services of grassroots institutions have effectively met the needs of the people for nearby medical treatment and have also played a practical role in the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.

From the perspective of the whole country, the number of diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases at the grassroots level is relatively stable, and recent monitoring shows that it has also decreased. Thank you.

Xinhua News Agency reporter

What are the main pathogens of acute respiratory diseases currently? What is the trend of the epidemic of pathogens of acute respiratory diseases in the future? Thank you.

Director of the Respiratory Infectious Diseases Office, Department of Infectious Disease Management, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Peng Zhibin

Thank you for your question. According to the monitoring results from December 11 to 17, acute respiratory diseases in my country have begun to decline recently. The number of visits to fever clinics in medical institutions across the country and the proportion of influenza-like cases in outpatient and emergency visits in sentinel hospitals have decreased.

Overall, the current acute respiratory diseases are mainly influenza viruses, with a variety of other pathogens co-prevalent. Among them, influenza activity is now at a high level, but is beginning to decline. Other pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus are fluctuating, and the activity of the new coronavirus is at its lowest level this year.

Experts believe that in the next week, our acute respiratory diseases may continue to decline, and the pathogens are mainly influenza viruses. Thank you.

Nan Fang Daily Nan Fang + Reporter

In the face of strong cold waves and sudden drops in temperature, which may induce respiratory and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, what methods does traditional Chinese medicine have for prevention?

President of Fangshan Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

Sun Luying

Thank you for your question. First of all, we should pay attention to the basic care in daily life. For example, add clothes in time to keep warm, avoid cold invasion, maintain a regular life, avoid fatigue and staying up late, wear masks scientifically, wash hands frequently, etc.

In addition, patients with underlying diseases should maintain regular treatment and avoid sudden discontinuation of medication. In particular, blood pressure should be maintained at a reasonable level, not too high or too low.

Secondly, traditional Chinese medicine can also provide dietary therapy or tea substitutes to improve the body's resistance. For example, if you want to prevent respiratory diseases, the recommended dietary therapy recipe is "Four White Porridge", which is lily, yam, lotus seed meat, and white rice. Lily nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, yam strengthens the spleen and kidneys, lotus seed meat nourishes the spleen and nourishes the heart, and white rice strengthens the spleen and nourishes the stomach. This recipe can replenish qi, moisten the lungs, strengthen the spleen, consolidate the foundation and nourish the essence, and can also enhance the body's positive energy and resist the invasion of evil spirits. However, diabetic patients should not overeat porridge to avoid high blood sugar. At the same time, those who are susceptible to wind and cold can use Codonopsis pilosula, Adenophora adenophora, etc. as tea substitutes.

To prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, you can use "lotus leaf hawthorn drink", which is to soak lotus leaves, hawthorn, and tangerine peel in water or cook porridge. This recipe can remove dampness and phlegm, strengthen the spleen and regulate qi. It should be reminded that people who are allergic to the above-mentioned dietary therapy or tea substitutes should use it with caution.

Finally, a healthy lifestyle such as a proper diet and moderate exercise is also the key to prevention. For example, drink enough water every day; eat an appropriate amount of fresh vegetables and fruits; ensure the intake of high-quality proteins such as meat, eggs, and milk; stick to a light diet and avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods; appropriately perform light to medium-intensity exercises such as Tai Chi and Ba Duan Jin; soak your feet in hot water every day to promote the circulation of qi and blood. All of the above can enhance the body's immunity. Thank you!

CCTV reporter from China Central Radio and Television

Is there a significant difference between the southern and northern regions in this round of high incidence of respiratory diseases? As the end of the year approaches, people are traveling more and more, so how should we protect ourselves? In addition, some experts have said that they do not advocate the public to wear masks for a long time. This statement has attracted everyone's attention. What is our response? Thank you.

Director of the Respiratory Infectious Diseases Office, Department of Infectious Disease Management, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Peng Zhibin

Thank you for your question. Judging from the results of influenza surveillance and respiratory multi-pathogen surveillance in my country, influenza activities in northern and southern provinces are basically synchronized, and both are in a high-incidence state. Some provinces have reached their peak and are beginning to show a downward trend. The activities of other respiratory pathogens are also basically synchronized, and the difference between the north and the south is not obvious. Regarding the increase in population mobility at the end of the year and the issue of personal protection, it is recommended to strengthen protective measures in four aspects on the basis of daily protection against respiratory infectious diseases. First, when traveling by public transportation such as subways, buses, trains, and airplanes, it is recommended to wear masks scientifically, wash hands in time or disinfect hands, and do a good job of personal protection during the journey.

Second, for elderly people over 65 years old, pregnant women, children, and patients with serious chronic underlying diseases, it is recommended to minimize visits to tourist attractions and public places where crowds gather. If you must go, it is recommended to wear a mask scientifically.
Third, for patients with respiratory infectious diseases or those with related symptoms, it is recommended to postpone travel and try to avoid infecting other people.

Fourth, for the units or organizers of large-scale gatherings, they must implement the responsibilities of ventilation, disinfection, and health reminders, and pay attention to and comply with the information and requirements of local respiratory disease prevention and control. Regarding the issue of masks just mentioned, guidelines for the public to wear masks to prevent respiratory infectious diseases have actually been issued recently. The guidelines also focus on common situations and scenes closely related to the public's life, work, and study, and distinguish between different periods of high incidence and normalization of the epidemic. For key institutions, key groups, and key places, corresponding classification suggestions such as masks should be worn, masks are recommended, and masks are not recommended are proposed, which also guides the public to wear masks more scientifically and accurately. Therefore, on the basis of ensuring the effectiveness of prevention and control, the impact on public production and life should be minimized. Thank you.

CGTN reporter

In the winter, when respiratory infectious diseases are prevalent, some patients, especially the elderly, may be worried about being infected, but they may have run out of their usual medicines and dare not go to the hospital. In response to this situation, especially in the issue of medical treatment for chronic diseases, what measures has the community taken? Thank you.

Director of Ciqu Community Health Service Center, Tongzhou District, Beijing

Xie Yantao

Thank you for the reporter's question. As a grassroots medical institution, we have also actively and proactively taken multiple measures to meet this demand in solving residents' medical treatment needs.

First, in terms of time, we have opened weekend clinics, lunch clinics, night clinics and extended service clinics to increase the length of our outpatient service. For example, based on the data of our hospital in the past two months, the number of our lunch clinic services accounts for about 5% of the total outpatient volume, and the number of night clinic services accounts for about 10% of the total outpatient volume. By expanding the service hours, we can meet the medical needs of residents in the area.

Second, in terms of space, we have increased the number of consulting rooms. For example, the number of general practice consulting rooms has increased from 6 to 8, and the number of extended service clinics has increased from 2 to 3. Through the spatial layout, we continue to improve our reception capacity.

Third, in terms of process, we have opened a pre-diagnosis laboratory for children to improve the efficiency of pediatric consultation. We have also put self-service registration and payment equipment in the medical area on each floor, two self-service report printing devices in the lobby on the first floor, and automatic medicine dispensing machines in our pharmacy. By continuously optimizing service processes and using information technology, we can improve the efficiency of our outpatient services and reduce residents' waiting time.

At the same time, we have also stepped up our efforts to prevent and control hospital infections and increased the frequency of disinfection and cleaning of public areas within the hospital so that residents can receive medical treatment with confidence.

We have opened 23 inpatient beds and strengthened two-way referrals with superior medical alliance hospitals to reduce the inconvenience of residents in the area who need hospitalization to travel to superior hospitals. We have also actively improved the diagnosis and treatment services of traditional Chinese medicine. For example, Dr. Liang's pediatric massage therapy is very popular among residents in the area, and recently many children with fever have come to see Dr. Liang. And we have implemented the convenience measure of having traditional Chinese medicine experts visit every day.

Through the implementation of various measures, the total number of outpatient services provided by our hospital in the past two months has exceeded 100,000, with an average daily outpatient volume of more than 1,600. This can meet the needs of residents in the area and, to a certain extent, effectively play the role of first diagnosis and diversion of our primary medical institutions. Thank you.

China Youth Daily reporter

Could you please give me some suggestions on how to protect community health services during the cold wave? Thank you.

Deputy Chief Physician of General Practice, Gumei Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai

Liu Tao

Thank you for your question. As family doctors, we would like to give you some suggestions on community health protection during the cold wave.

First, prevent colds. Especially when the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is particularly large, you must pay attention to adding or removing clothes in time, wear a hat and scarf when going out, and wipe off sweat when exercising to avoid the impact of sudden changes in temperature on the body. In windy weather, we can effectively avoid the irritation of the respiratory tract by cold air when we go out by wearing a mask.

Second, when we take a bath at home, the water temperature should not be too high and the bathing time should not be too long, which can not only avoid dry and itchy skin, but also avoid excessive consumption of physical strength and even increase the burden on the heart. Also pay attention to the use of hot water bottles or heat packs to keep the elderly and children warm, and be sure to prevent low-temperature burns.

Third, the diet should not be too salty. You should reduce the intake of salt and sodium-containing condiments, smoked and processed meat products, and appropriately supplement high-calorie foods, while choosing some warm meats such as beef and mutton. Of course, fruits and vegetables should also be supplemented, and attention should be paid to nutritional balance.

In addition, during the cold wave, our elderly and children must pay attention to keeping their activities slow and steady to prevent falls, especially in rainy and snowy weather, when the roads are slippery, and outdoor activities should be minimized. When going out, avoid stagnant water and icy roads, and do not wear plastic-soled shoes that are easy to slip. Bathrooms and kitchens at home are also very slippery places, so you can lay anti-slip mats in advance. Thank you!

China News Service reporter

Respiratory diseases are prevalent in winter, and coupled with the current cold wave, how can we give full play to the role of family doctors to do a good job in health management and protection of key groups? Thank you.

Director General, Department of Primary Care, National Health Commission

Fu Wei

Thank you for your question. Family doctors provide services to residents in urban and rural communities and should be the first point of contact to protect residents' health.

As a family doctor, you should work with urban and rural community organizations, the public health committee of the village residents' committee, and community volunteers to strengthen proactive contact with key groups such as the elderly and children, appropriately increase the frequency of contact, keep abreast of the health status of these key contracted groups, and guide patients to go to primary medical and health institutions for initial diagnosis.

At the same time, we must also publicize and guide key groups who meet the vaccination conditions to receive timely vaccinations such as influenza, new crown, pneumonia, etc. We must also respond to the health consultation needs of contracted residents in a timely manner, regularly send some health science popularization information, and guide family and personal protection.

In addition, we also guide local governments to promote and extend contracted services to some schools and nursing homes that are not equipped with medical and health care resources, so as to better protect the health needs of the elderly and children.

Since the autumn and winter, we have also continued to monitor the contact and health management services provided by primary medical institutions and family doctors for key groups over 65 years old according to the changes in the epidemic trend of the disease. Since November, primary medical and health institutions have provided home treatment guidance to 71,000 key groups over 65 years old, home services and follow-up visits to more than 36 million people, provided health consultations through various forms, including telephone, WeChat, video, etc., to more than 38 million people, and guided referrals to 28,000 people.

In recent times, grassroots medical staff have been providing extended service hours and opening clinics on weekends in accordance with the deployment of various regions, and their work intensity has increased. We have also guided various regions to further care for grassroots medical staff, strengthen material allocation, do a good job in personal protection for medical staff, and reasonably arrange shifts and rest. From the current point of view, the overall operation of grassroots institutions is stable and orderly. Thank you.

Reporter from the Chinese Language Center of CCTV

Respiratory diseases may be caused by a variety of pathogens. When suffering from respiratory diseases, under what circumstances can primary medical and health institutions be the first choice for treatment? Do primary medical and health institutions have the corresponding diagnosis and treatment conditions and capabilities? Thank you.

Deputy Chief Physician of General Practice, Gumei Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai

Liu Tao

Thank you for your question. When residents have respiratory diseases, in what cases can they choose to go to the community for treatment? We have the following suggestions.

First, when patients have initial symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, and the course of the disease is less than 1 week, most of these are acute respiratory infections, which are common and frequently occurring diseases, and they can first choose to go to the community for treatment.

Second, patients with repeated coughing, wheezing or repeated nasal congestion and runny nose, with a course of more than 2 weeks or even more than 4 weeks, but no obvious fever, may have respiratory infections or some common chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis or COPD. Residents can also choose to come to the community for preliminary diagnosis first. Most patients can be treated in the community. After the initial judgment of the family doctor, some patients can also be more accurately referred to specialists, avoiding residents running back and forth between departments of comprehensive hospitals. Thank you!

Sansha TV reporter

Many patients with respiratory diseases still have mild coughing symptoms after recovery, and some even last for a long time. What methods can TCM use to reduce coughing and relieve discomfort? Thank you.

President of Fangshan Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

Sun Luying

Thank you for your question. Many patients still have mild cough and other symptoms after the recovery period. Traditional Chinese medicine has some better methods for these.

On the one hand, for patients with chronic diseases such as bronchial asthma, the original basic treatment should be maintained first. In addition, they are advised to go to specialized clinics and have specialist doctors adjust the plan. Do not make adjustments on your own to avoid worsening of the condition.

On the other hand, for people who do not have chronic respiratory diseases, symptoms such as dry throat, itchy throat, little sputum, and slight cough may also occur in the later stages of recovery from respiratory diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that this is a manifestation of insufficient lung yin, and some dietary prescriptions or tea substitutes can be used to nourish yin and moisten the lungs and relieve coughs. The dietary prescription recommends "lung moistening soup", which is to boil water with pears, lilies, tangerine peel, and rock sugar. Diabetic patients can omit rock sugar. The recommended tea substitute is "Adenophora, Polygonatum, and Ophiopogon Soup", which is to soak or boil Adenophora, Polygonatum, and Ophiopogon. In addition, honey water also has a certain effect of moistening the lungs and relieving coughs. You can drink honey water in moderation every day, but it is not recommended for diabetic patients. Note that people who are allergic to the ingredients in the above-mentioned dietary prescriptions or tea substitutes should use them with caution.

In addition, a good lifestyle is also very important, such as maintaining adequate daily water intake, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking, drinking or eating spicy food, and maintaining appropriate indoor humidity, etc., which can help relieve coughs. Thank you.

Beijing Youth Daily reporter

We have noticed that the temperature has dropped across the country recently, which has also increased the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The elderly are especially at high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. How should the elderly be protected in cold weather? Thank you.

Director of Ciqu Community Health Service Center, Tongzhou District, Beijing

Xie Yantao

Thank you for your question. Winter is the peak season for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the elderly. Sudden cold snaps and cooling can put the human body in a state of stress, causing blood vessels to contract and blood pressure to rise. At the same time, winter is also the peak season for respiratory infectious diseases, and acute infections can also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the elderly should pay special attention.

First, we need to have a regular life. Our elderly people need to maintain a regular work and rest schedule and a regular diet. They need to develop good habits. For example, when getting up, they need to follow the "three and a half minutes" rule, which means lying down in bed for half a minute, sitting up and waiting for another half a minute, and then letting their legs hang down for half a minute before getting up.

Second, keep warm. When adding more clothes, pay attention to the temperature of your living environment. Avoid long hours of outdoor activities, open windows for ventilation for too long, and avoid cold water and cold food to prevent colds.

Third, exercise scientifically. In northern regions, the elderly should try to avoid going out for exercise in the morning and evening in winter. They should go out for exercise when the weather is good and the temperature is relatively high. They can also do appropriate exercise indoors, such as slow walking, leg lifting, and gymnastics.

Fourth, we need to strengthen health monitoring for elderly people with chronic diseases. Elderly people with chronic diseases must pay attention to monitoring their blood pressure, blood sugar and other indicators, take medication regularly, and avoid stopping medication or reducing the dosage of medication on their own. If you experience symptoms such as chest tightness, chest pain, limb mobility problems, and slurred speech, you should seek medical attention in a timely manner. We have also provided family doctor contact information for the elderly who have signed contracts in the area to facilitate their health consultation. At the same time, we also assist elderly people in need in providing referral services. Thank you.

China Daily reporter

Children always concern the family and society. With the recent cold wave, some children have fever. Is there anything we should pay attention to in home care and medication after children have fever? Thank you.

Deputy Chief Physician of General Practice, Gumei Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai

Liu Tao

Thank you for your question. In fact, every sudden drop in ambient temperature is a great challenge to the human immune system, and our children's immune system is indeed not fully developed, so every time a cold wave comes, children are particularly prone to acute respiratory infections.

Fever is also a common symptom of acute respiratory infection in children and is often the first symptom. When our children have a fever, parents can first cool them down physically. For example, in winter, we can loosen the children's clothes and bedding in a warm room, wipe the children's neck and limbs with warm water, and apply cold compresses to the forehead.

We need to replenish water for children. When the child's temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, we can choose some children's antipyretic drugs for oral treatment. Some children can choose to treat the symptoms at home for two to three days when they have a fever in the early stage, if they are not accompanied by obvious coughing and vomiting symptoms, without immediate medical treatment.

When children are found to have acute respiratory infection or fever symptoms, how should we use medication? In fact, most children's acute respiratory infections can be treated with oral medications. Oral treatment can actually save us from running back and forth to the hospital, as well as the hard work of waiting for medical treatment and infusion, so that children can have more time to get better care and rest at home, and can also avoid cross-infection in the hospital to a certain extent. Therefore, the medication for children must be scientifically judged and selected according to the child's condition and course of illness, and do not think about infusion as soon as fever and cold symptoms appear.

In terms of diet, when he has acute respiratory diseases, we should still pay attention to supplementing the child with reasonable protein nutrition. We can choose those that are easy to digest, such as lean meat, eggs, and milk, and avoid excessive greasy food. For children with fever, it is very important to replenish water. Parents can observe the urine volume of children with fever and make the urine volume of children with fever as close to the normal urine volume as possible. Thank you.

Shenzhen TV reporter

At present, large hospitals are busy with the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases. Do the leading hospitals of urban medical alliances and county medical communities still have the strength to support grassroots medical institutions? Do grassroots medical and health institutions have outpatient numbers reserved by general hospitals? How can grassroots medical and health institutions provide outpatient appointment services at general hospitals for residents who really need medical treatment? Thank you.

Director General, Department of Primary Care, National Health Commission

Fu Wei

Thank you for your question. While large hospitals effectively dispatch their own resources and do a good job in diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases in winter, they also strengthen their guidance and support for primary medical and health institutions. This is a mutually reinforcing relationship.

We require all localities to arrange for middle and senior-level physicians from regional medical alliances and medical communities' leading hospitals to provide medical services in primary institutions. At the same time, we also strengthen the education and training of medical personnel in primary medical and health institutions to improve primary diagnosis and treatment capabilities, especially in emergency first aid and early identification of critically ill children.

At the same time, we also require general hospitals to reserve a certain proportion of outpatient appointment numbers, and give priority to grassroots institutions to provide general hospital pediatric outpatient appointment services for residents in the area, and to open up referral channels and clarify referral processes to better guide mild patients and children to see doctors in grassroots institutions first. For those with a clear diagnosis and relatively stable treatment in general hospitals, they can also be referred to grassroots institutions for follow-up treatment.

It can be said that these measures can better guide patients to seek medical treatment at the grassroots level, and are also conducive to providing tiered and diverted services. To a certain extent, they have effectively diverted patients, and also helped to ease the pressure on general hospitals to receive patients and reduce the burden of centralized medical treatment.

In addition, local medical alliances and leading hospitals of medical communities have also made full use of telemedicine or Internet medical services to guide patients to seek first and follow-up consultations at nearby grassroots institutions. General hospitals have arranged special personnel to provide telemedicine and online consultation services, which can also alleviate the long waiting time for patients and children to go to large hospitals for treatment and avoid cross infection. Thank you.

Hong Kong Economic Herald reporter

The cold wave is coming strongly. What measures have been taken at the disease control level to guide the public to deal with the cold wave scientifically? We are also very concerned about how outdoor workers such as food delivery riders and sanitation workers can take key protective measures? Thank you.

Director of the Respiratory Infectious Diseases Office, Department of Infectious Disease Management, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Peng Zhibin

Thank you for your question.

Recently, cold waves have occurred in many parts of my country. In order to reduce the health damage that cold waves may cause, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention organized experts to formulate and release the "Cold Wave Public Health Protection Guidelines" based on the comprehensive results of a large number of previous scientific research results, targeting the characteristics of this cold wave, to guide the public to respond to cold waves scientifically and enhance protection awareness. Based on the content of the "Guidelines" and the characteristics of cold waves in their respective jurisdictions, local disease control systems have also carried out popular science publicity and education on cold wave health protection through short videos, posters, or broadcasts, etc., with pictures and texts, playing an active role in guiding the public to respond to extreme weather scientifically.

Outdoor workers such as sanitation workers, construction workers, couriers, and food deliverymen should focus on taking the following protective measures because they are exposed to cold waves for a long time and with high intensity.

First, when working outdoors, you must pay attention to keeping warm. It is recommended to wear cold-proof work clothes, shoes, hats, gloves, etc., and good lighting should be ensured when working at night.

Second, when going out in rainy or snowy weather, you should pay attention to preventing slipping and falling, and try to avoid walking or riding on ice; when going out in windy weather, you should pay attention to falling objects from high altitudes.

Third, pay attention to driving safety when traveling, keep abreast of road conditions, make reasonable travel plans, ensure good vision, pay attention to the status of the fuel tank or battery, and install anti-skid chains when necessary.

Fourth, pay attention to pathogen infections, especially those transmitted through the respiratory tract, and it is recommended to get vaccinated in a timely manner.

Fifth, keep communications open and keep abreast of surrounding rescue facilities and contact information. If an emergency occurs, seek help in a timely manner, stop working, and enter a warm place as soon as possible.

In addition, it is also recommended that outdoor workers arrange their working time reasonably and try to choose to work during relatively warm periods of the day. When working outdoors, you can also use some portable heating products to ensure that your work clothes are dry and warm. If your clothes are wet, they should be changed in time. Thank you.

Reporter of China National Radio

My question is about traditional Chinese medicine. After recovering from respiratory diseases, what methods can traditional Chinese medicine use to strengthen the body and speed up recovery? Thank you.

President of Fangshan Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

Sun Luying

Thank you for your question. After influenza patients recover, their bodies still need some time to recover slowly. During this period, we can use traditional Chinese medicine to help us strengthen our bodies and promote early recovery.

First, we need to strengthen protection to avoid reinfection or other infections. In the late recovery or early recovery period of the disease, the body is relatively weak, and we still need to strengthen protection during this period, such as washing hands frequently, wearing masks, frequent ventilation, strengthening nutrition, and avoiding contact with patients.

Second, we need to have a regular routine and avoid fatigue. This period is the transitional stage from illness to recovery. If you are tired, it will cause the body's immunity to decrease, which will easily increase the risk of illness. Therefore, it is recommended to have a regular routine, get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and relax to promote the body's recovery as soon as possible.

The third is to enhance the body's resistance through Chinese medicine diet therapy. For example, the "four white porridge" mentioned above can strengthen the spleen and stomach and protect the body's vital energy; people who are particularly weak can use Pseudostellaria heterophylla to soak in water, cook porridge or soup, which can nourish qi and yin and help the body resist pathogens. Similarly, if you are allergic to any ingredient in the above diet therapy or tea substitute, use it with caution.

Fourth, moderate exercise plays a key role in the recovery of the body. Moderate exercise can promote the circulation of qi and blood, improve cardiopulmonary function, relieve stress and anxiety, strengthen the body and promote health. We advocate mild activities, such as walking or jogging once or twice a day, 20 to 30 minutes each time. It is important to choose the appropriate amount of exercise, exercise time or exercise frequency according to each person's physical condition, and it is best to sweat slightly and avoid overwork. Thank you.

National Health Commission Spokesperson and Deputy Director of the Publicity Department

Mi Feng

Thank you. Due to time constraints, I will ask two more questions.

Cover News Reporter

Recently, people's willingness to get the flu vaccine has been increasing. What effective measures have primary medical and health institutions taken to optimize vaccination services and facilitate the public? Thank you.

Director of Ciqu Community Health Service Center, Tongzhou District, Beijing

Xie Yantao

Thank you for your question. The most effective and economical way to prevent influenza is to get a flu vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of illness and serious complications. Our hospital has also taken a series of measures to carry out influenza vaccination.

First, we have opened multiple channels for appointments, such as the Capital Vaccine Service APP, WeChat public account, and telephone appointments, to reduce the waiting time for residents. At the same time, we have also set up a special team for influenza vaccination and refined the corresponding service measures, especially for key groups such as the elderly, so that they can get the vaccine whenever they want and save time.

Second, we have opened a flu vaccination clinic on weekends to meet the needs of residents in the area for flu vaccination on weekends. According to the vaccination data of our hospital this year, the number of flu vaccinations on weekends accounted for 30% of the total number of vaccinations.

Third, for the school groups in the jurisdiction, we communicated in advance, took the initiative to visit them, and conducted centralized vaccinations in schools. We also carried out three rounds of booster vaccination services for students who were unable to receive vaccinations in time at that time, in order to increase the influenza vaccination rate among students as much as possible.

Fourth, provide door-to-door vaccination services to the elderly care stations in the jurisdiction and offer convenient services for the elderly with limited mobility.

Fifth, we use various publicity channels, such as the government’s WeChat public account, the hospital’s WeChat and Weibo accounts, the WeChat groups of various villages and communities, community health classrooms, and health lectures in schools and childcare institutions to raise awareness of influenza vaccination among residents in our jurisdiction, especially key groups. Thank you!

Thepaper.cn reporter

Respiratory diseases are prevalent at present. In addition, cold waves are coming to many parts of the country, and the temperature has dropped sharply. Many people have caught colds. As a community doctor, I face a large number of residents every day. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.

Deputy Chief Physician of General Practice, Gumei Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai

Liu Tao

Thank you for your question. Regarding the prevention of respiratory diseases, I have put forward some suggestions from the perspective of a family doctor.

First, try to complete influenza vaccination before the high incidence of respiratory diseases. Generally, residents can come to our community for influenza vaccination after autumn every year.

Second, during the high incidence of respiratory diseases, try to minimize indoor gathering activities. When parents go out to work, their hands, faces or coats that are often exposed to the outside will be contaminated with pathogens. When they return home, they should wash their faces, wash their hands and change their clothes as soon as possible, and then contact their children to avoid indirect infection.

Third, wear masks scientifically in crowded places, such as buses, subways, and hospital waiting halls.

Fourth, the home should be properly ventilated, and each room should be ventilated in turn to ensure that the elderly and children can be in other rooms during ventilation to avoid direct stimulation of cold air.

Fifth, for patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases in the community, contact family doctors regularly, follow up and evaluate the disease, and prevent acute attacks of chronic respiratory diseases in autumn and winter. Thank you! The spokesperson of the National Health Commission and Deputy Director of the Publicity Department

Mi Feng

Thank you, at today's press conference, several guests introduced us to the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases in winter, especially the relevant situation of primary medical institutions in carrying out medical services. Thank you again. We will hold a press conference on related topics in the future, and everyone is welcome to continue to pay attention.

Today's press conference ends here, thank you everyone!

Source: National Health Commission official website, China Network