The biting cold has increased the number of patients who have succumbed to the flu. In some Chinese hospitals, those most vulnerable to illness- children and elderly seniors, the overuse of intravenous injections has been raising concerns.

Statistics show that China used 10.4 billion medical injection bottles in 2009, working out to 8 bottles per capita, or 2.5 times to 3.3 times more than the international standard.

Health authorities have taken measures to curb the abuse of injections. In East China's Anhui province starting this August, injections were banned for 53 common diseases including flu, upper respiratory infection and infantile diarrhea.

Experts have warned that some people have to correct their misunderstanding that only intravenous injections lead to a quick recovery.

A mother helps her child get drips at the entrance of a hospital in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning province in this Oct 9, 2014 file photo. [Photo/CFP]