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INTRO
A new outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus - otherwise known as 'swine flu' has been reported in Beijing, killing two women in the past 10 days...
The first deaths reported from the virus in China's capital, since 2010.
The cases come as China sees its coldest winter in 28 years - and follow the smog that smothered the country over the past few days.
Swine flu has hit the Chinese Capital.
Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the H1N1 flu strain has left two women dead in the past few days...
One a 65-year-old cancer patient, the other, a 22-year-old migrant worker with anemia.
The virus was responsible for a pandemic that broke out in 2009, starting in the United States and spreading around the world in six weeks.
The center's director says flu cases in Beijing are at their highest levels seen in five years, and that the H1N1 strain has become the most dominant.
The rise in cases corresponds with weeks of record low temperatures in Beijing and across much of China.
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE)Patient
"I feel uncomfortable with my nose and always feel thirsty. I was diagnosed with viral influenza. I did not recover after receiving treatment in community hospital, so I'm going to large hospital today."
Some citizens say pollution like the smog that choked the country last weekend - has turned China's air, into a breeding ground for viruses.
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE)Beijing citizen
"There are a lot of people catching cold around me. Flu usually peaks in winter. The air pollution in Beijing also makes it easier for people to catch the disease. But I'm less worried, since medical conditions have also improved a lot."
Doctor Li Zhijun, says it's both...
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE)LI ZHIJUN, Doctor
"This flu strain peaks in winter due to the low temperatures. The recent smog also leads to the rising number of flu patients. The patients we received are mainly suffering from the flu, respiratory infections and pnuemonia. Pregnant women can catch the H1N1 flu strain easily and if they get the disease, it can affect their baby."
But others, like Doctor Qi Wensheng, say it's possible to avoid the flu...
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE)QI WENSHENG, Doctor
"The first is to do is avoid going to public places crowded with people. If going to these places, you should cover your mouth and nose. The second is to enhance your immunity with a healthy diet and enough sleep."
Doctor Qi also suggests people get a flu shot.
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE)QI WENSHENG, Doctor
"Getting a flu shot is effective in preventing the flu. I suggest patients with low immunity get a vaccine."
The H1N1 virus is also sweeping the world.
Initial World Health Organization estimates put the number of deaths from the global outbreak of H1N1 flu at around 18,500.
But a study published last June said the death toll could be as high as over 284,000 people globally... Testing the capability, of hospitals in China.
