From last July until now, more than 1,600 individuals have suffered from severe conditions of the influenza, and the death toll has since reached 84. In response to the public panicking over the news, the Center for Disease Control is assuring the people not to worry, because getting vaccinated is the best prevention method.

Since early morning, the Pediatric Clinic has been packed with patients with a cold.

The influenza epidemic continues to sweep the country, with the number of cases in critical conditions reaching as many as 1,600 people and 84 dead since last July.

Some doctors notice that the common symptoms of influenza patients include coughs and high fever, and that the influenza is more contagious than that during the SARS period.

However, the Center for Disease Control says the contagious forms of influenza and SARS are not the same and shouldn't be compared together.

The peak season of influenza coincided with recent cold fronts.

Humid and cold weather could easily fuel the epidemic.

But the public shouldn't be too worried about it since the fatality rate for influenza is not as high as that of SARS.

The Center for Disease Control stressed that anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and vaccines are available to treat or prevent influenza.

There are over 18,000 vaccines left for adults and 110,000 vaccines for minors.

The authorities urge the public to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing fever for more than two days.

The program of offering free Tamiflu for specific groups would be extended to the end of March until the epidemic is alleviated.

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