Shaking with Fear of the New Coronavirus... Influenza Strikes Amidst the Chaos

On the 29th, amid growing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), Chinese tourists are lining up to buy masks at a pharmacy on Myeongdong Street in Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As fears of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) spread, influenza (flu) is also rampant in South Korea. Since the novel coronavirus symptoms are not significantly different from those of the flu, special caution is required.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 30th, the number of influenza-like illness patients visiting hospitals from the 5th to the 11th was 47.8 per 1,000 outpatients. This exceeds the epidemic threshold (5.9) by more than eight times.

The number of suspected flu patients has surged in two months. Since the epidemic advisory was issued on November 15 last year, the number has steadily increased, rising nearly sevenfold from 7 patients recorded during November 3?9 last year.

In the first week of this year, the number of suspected flu patients per 1,000 outpatients was 49.1. Although this is lower than in previous years, it far exceeds the epidemic threshold.

Influenza typically spreads between November and April each year. It is mainly transmitted through droplets (saliva droplets) produced when coughing. If you have a fever over 38 degrees Celsius or suspicious symptoms such as cough or sore throat, you should seek medical attention early.

The symptoms of the novel coronavirus and influenza are similar. Both involve high fever accompanied by muscle pain symptoms. Symptoms also appear after an incubation period. Dr. Eom Jung-sik, an infectious disease specialist at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, said, "The symptoms of the novel coronavirus do not differ from those of influenza or pneumonia," adding, "Therefore, in addition to related symptoms, we also check for travel history to high-risk areas in China to differentiate the novel coronavirus."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.