After a thorough examination, Lin Yue discovered that nearly half of the patients' conditions had worsened to varying degrees, and the new symptoms indicated that the previous treatment plans were no longer adequate to address the changes. This was like a bolt from the blue, striking everyone's hearts. Lin Yue decided to convene an emergency meeting to discuss new treatment options with medically knowledgeable villagers and former educated youth.

The meeting was held at the village's makeshift medical station, a simple room where sunlight streamed through dilapidated windows, but could not dispel the oppressive and heavy atmosphere. Everyone sat around a worn-out table, its wood grain like wrinkles of time, recording the village's vicissitudes. Each person's expression was as solemn as a stone statue; the somber atmosphere seemed almost scathing.

Lin Yue spoke first. Although her voice was tired, it was still firm and strong: "Judging from the current situation, we are facing unprecedented challenges. The changes in the patient's condition have exceeded our expectations, and our previous efforts may need to be readjusted. We need to revise the treatment plan. Everyone is welcome to share their thoughts; every suggestion could be our lifeline."

One of the educated youths stood up, a hint of hesitation in his eyes, as if unsure whether his idea was feasible: "I've read about some similar cases in books. Perhaps we can try a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. While using Western medicine, we can add some traditional Chinese medicine with antiviral effects. Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history in our country, and it might be effective against this mutated disease."

Lin Yue nodded, a glimmer of hope flashing in her eyes: "That's an idea. We can study the existing herbal resources in the village and see which ones we can utilize. However, we must be extra cautious when using traditional Chinese medicine to ensure its safety and effectiveness."

An elderly traditional Chinese medicine doctor from the village also spoke, his voice carrying a sense of calm and experience: "I think we can try acupuncture to alleviate the patient's symptoms. For example, for patients with difficulty breathing, needling certain acupoints may help. Acupuncture is a treasure of traditional Chinese medicine, and it has miraculous effects on many difficult and complicated diseases."

Everyone chatted animatedly, their ideas colliding in the air like shooting stars meeting in the night sky. Some villagers suggested traditional remedies, while some educated youth proposed new treatment concepts. Lin Yue listened attentively to each suggestion, her mind rapidly analyzing and filtering them, like a sophisticated computer.

“We can start with herbs and try to brew some medicine. There are many herbs in the mountains around the village, and we can organize the villagers to collect them. At the same time, we can also provide acupuncture treatment for patients who are willing to receive it. However, we must closely observe the patients' reactions during the process, and we cannot ignore any abnormalities.” Lin Yue finally made her decision, her eyes revealing a kind of determination to find a way out of the predicament.

Once the plan was finalized, everyone got busy again, like a group of industrious ants working for survival. Lin Yue led some villagers to the mountains to collect herbs. The air in the forest was fresh, but no one paid any attention to it. They moved through the forest, their eyes scanning each herb with meticulous care.

"This houttuynia cordata has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, so pick more. Honeysuckle is also very effective for fever. Everyone should be careful not to pick the wrong kind," Lin Yue explained to the villagers as she picked the herbs. Her voice echoed through the mountains, carrying a guiding force. The villagers nodded in agreement, their movements becoming more practiced, and soon their baskets were filled with all sorts of herbs.

Back in the village, Lin Yue and several experienced villagers began brewing herbal medicine. The rising steam carried the fragrant aroma of herbs, a scent like the breath of hope, spreading throughout the village. Lin Yue busied herself at the stove, her eyes fixed intently on the herbs in the pot, stirring constantly to ensure the medicine's effectiveness.

While administering the new treatment, Lin Yue stayed by the patients' sides like a guardian angel. She closely observed their reactions, her gaze never leaving them. Some patients vomited after taking the herbal remedies, and Lin Yue anxiously adjusted the prescription, her brow furrowed, her heart filled with self-reproach: "Was the dosage too high? Or is there a problem with the combination of herbs?" she kept asking herself. Some patients felt pain during acupuncture treatment, and Lin Yue gently comforted them: "Bear with it, it will help your condition. You are the bravest, keep going." Her voice was gentle yet firm, giving the patients strength.

Chen Yu was responsible for organizing the villagers to continue strengthening epidemic prevention measures. He knew that only by doing a good job in epidemic prevention could better conditions be created for treating patients. He led some villagers to spray disinfectant in the village. The disinfectant shimmered silver in the sunlight, like a protective armor covering the village. He inspected the protective measures in the isolation area, leaving no corner unchecked. His serious expression was as if he were guarding the most precious treasure. His eyes revealed determination, a belief that would not back down no matter what difficulties were encountered.

A day passed, and the new treatment method did not immediately show any obvious effects; the patient's condition remained serious. Lin Yue felt a heavy weight pressing on her heart. But she did not give up. She knew that medical exploration often requires time and patience, just as a seed needs the right temperature and time to germinate. She silently encouraged herself: "Just hold on a little longer, there will definitely be a turning point."

Night fell, and Lin Yue sat alone in a corner of the medical station, the surrounding darkness seeming to engulf her. Her eyes were filled with weariness and worry, a weariness that washed over her like waves, threatening to drown her. She pondered how the treatment plan could be improved, every detail replaying in her mind. She couldn't let the villagers down; she was their last hope, like a solitary lamp in the darkness, its light faint but never extinguished.

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