News

19 Jun 2020

SHARE THIS

Fudan hospitals advise on health for Chinese students in the US

The online health information and diagnosis platforms targeting at COVID-19 operated by Fudan University have been launched, at the service of all Chinese students in the US.

Amid this global COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese students who choose to stay overseas have received continuous support from their homeland. The US, as a popular study-abroad destination, now has over 400,000 students from China. Many are concerned about their physical health and mental wellbeing during their stay in the US where the pandemic has killed over 100,000 lives.

In response, Fudan University, entrusted by the Ministry of Education of China, launched eight online platforms of health information and diagnosis services for Chinese students in the US, each operated by an affiliated hospital of the University (Zhongshan Hospital, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Central Hospital of Xuhui District, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Eye & ENT Hospital and Shanghai Cancer Center).

The launch ceremony of the online services was held at Shanghai Medical College affiliated to Fudan University at 9:00 p.m. EDT on May 28. During the ceremony, Tian Xuejun, Vice Minister of Education of China, Gui Yonghao, Dean of Shanghai Medical College affiliated to Fudan University, and Yang Xinyu, Minister-counselor, Office of Educational Affairs, Chinese Embassy in the US gave keynote speeches.

Tian Xuejun, Vice Minister of Education of China

Gui Yonghao, Dean of Shanghai Medical College affiliated to Fudan University

Yang Xinyu, Minister-counselor, Office of Educational Affairs, Chinese Embassy in the US

In the coming months, apart from running the online platforms, Fudan University will hold a series of lectures to help Chinese students in the US protect themselves and continue their studies during the pandemic. The students will be given timely advice by respiratory specialists from affiliated hospitals of Fudan University who are top experts of the area in China. 

The ceremony was followed by the first lecture of the series, moderated by Professor Jiang Changjian from the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, and given by Professor Zhang Wenhong, Director of Department of Infectious Diseases of Fudan-Huashan Hospital and Leader of the Shanghai Medical Treatment Expert Group.

Zhang Wenhong (left) shares his prediction of the global pandemic and gives advice to the students.

“The virus situation in the US has improved. There are more hospital beds available and the virus curve has been flattened,” said Zhang. He asked the students to think it over before deciding whether to come home.

When asked by a student representative in the US about the most effective preventative measures, Zhang said, “It’s all about social distancing. Keep your distance from others or wear a mask when you can’t do that. Sit in an empty corner inside classrooms and leave immediately when classes are over. Work out and keep a healthy diet. Don’t worry too much. A healthy mental state is important as well.”

The ceremony is livestreamed on CCTV (China Central Television) news app.

In addition, Zhang gave tips about what to do if the students think they may have been exposed to COVID-19. “If you feel exhausted, have diarrhea or have a fever, like when your body temperature goes above 99.5℉ or 37.5℃, take a nucleic acid test or an antibody test. But I won’t suggest anyone take any test if they do not show symptoms. If you test positive, contact doctors via our online platform. Eat well and have enough sleep. Most likely, you will see recovery in 7-10 days.”

Scan the QR code below for more information (in Chinese) on the lecture series and online health information services provided by Fudan University.



Editor: Deng Jianguo, Li Yijie

Author:Yan ChengyiEditor:Photograph:Illustrator: