China's health authority has urged strengthened monitoring and treatment in the face of the influenza outbreak.

The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) in a circular asked medical organs at all levels to reserve enough antiviral medicine, and allocate medical resources and equipment, such as respirators and monitors, for the timely treatment of severe cases.

The commission also demanded a closer monitoring of the mutation of flu virus strains, and suggested that schools conduct daily check-ups for students.

Children, senior citizens, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases need vaccinations, said Feng Zijian, deputy head of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Chinese National Influenza Center said the flu has been on the rise in recent weeks, and was very prevalent during the last week of 2017 with 11,253 cases reported, up from 7,730 the previous week.