China’s influenza epidemic continues to worsen, eventually leading to a condition known as “white lung,” where sudden deterioration in health can result in death.
Currently, China is facing a severe outbreak of influenza. According to the latest data from the Chinese Influenza Center, during the fifth week of 2025 (January 27 to February 2), the proportion of influenza-like cases among emergency room visits at sentinel hospitals in several provinces has significantly increased to 7.4% and 5.5%, higher than the previous week and the levels seen during the same period from 2022 to 2024.
The death rate from influenza is at a high level as well. While the Chinese authorities do not disclose the exact number of deaths, the severity of this influenza, particularly H1N1, is well-known among the Chinese population. Many individuals experience a rapid decline in health after infection, with some developing a condition where their lungs appear significantly whitened, ultimately leading to a high mortality rate of up to 50%.
“White lung” is a radiological manifestation characterized by large areas of inflammation in the lungs that appear opaque on imaging.
One resident of Nanjing, Fang Yan (pseudonym), shared the experience of her father with a reporter. Her father, aged 74, began showing symptoms like sore throat, fatigue, and fever on the evening of January 10. Despite testing negative for H1N1 and H3N2 at a provincial traditional Chinese medicine hospital, doctors attributed his high fever to another virus and recommended increased fluid intake. However, his condition did not improve, and on the 13th, he developed difficulty in breathing, was diagnosed with pneumonia on a CT scan, and sadly succumbed to severe viral pneumonia.
Fang Yan expressed regret over missing the critical 48-hour window for H1N1 treatment and not administering the expensive new drug, Duloxaban Combination Therapy, from the onset of symptoms in her father. She felt helpless witnessing her father’s rapid deterioration within seven days, with his lungs deteriorating up to 80%. Despite spending over 300,000 yuan in the ICU, the outcome was fatal.
Other individuals across different regions shared similar heartbreaking stories of loved ones battling “white lung” in hospitals, highlighting the severity and challenges faced in treating the disease.
As the epidemic continues to claim lives, crematoriums in China have experienced a surge in demand for services, with reports of overcrowded facilities and long waiting times for funeral arrangements. People express the struggles of coping with the sudden loss of loved ones and the overwhelming consequences of the outbreak on society.
Experts and residents alike offer insights into the dire situation, foreseeing further challenges ahead and warning of the need to prepare for more unfortunate events. They emphasize the importance of taking preventive measures and adhering to health guidelines to curb the spread of the virus and prevent more tragedies.
As the nation grapples with the devastating impact of the ongoing influenza epidemic, communities stand united in facing the immense toll it has taken on families and society as a whole. The stories shared shed light on the urgency of the situation and the need for collective efforts to overcome this unprecedented health crisis.