Suspected Cases of 'Seasonal Flu' Surge... Free Vaccinations for Children Starting from the 21st of This Month

No Outbreak for 2 Years Due to Mask Wearing and Social Distancing Measures
Concerns of Concurrent COVID-19 and Flu Epidemic This Fall

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] This fall and winter, as the possibility of a 'twindemic'?the simultaneous outbreak of COVID-19 and influenza (seasonal flu)?increases, the government will begin offering free flu vaccinations for children and the elderly starting late this month.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 12th, during the fifth week of last month (August 28 to September 3), the number of suspected seasonal flu patients per 1,000 outpatients was 4.7, up 0.5 from 4.3 the previous week. Suspected flu patients are those exhibiting symptoms such as high fever along with cough or sore throat. This marks a sharp increase for five consecutive weeks, following 3.3 in the first week of August, 3.7 in the second week, and 4.2 in the third week.

This level is high even compared to typical late summer flu cases. In the fifth week of August in 2018 and 2019, the number of suspected seasonal flu patients was 4.0 and 3.4 respectively, while in 2020 it was 1.7, and in 2021 only 1.0.

Seasonal flu usually spreads in autumn and winter but did not circulate during the past two years. Since the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020, mask-wearing became routine and social distancing reduced face-to-face activities. However, this year, as outdoor activities have increased, flu viruses appear to be spreading again even before autumn arrives. Early flu outbreaks have already been confirmed in Southern Hemisphere countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

In particular, immunity to the flu among the public has decreased over the past two years, which could lead to many cases during an outbreak. Since COVID-19 is still circulating, there is a high risk that both infectious diseases could spread simultaneously. Experts expect seasonal flu to likely peak between late October and November this year.

Symptoms of seasonal flu include fever, sore throat, cough, chills, and muscle pain, which are similar to those of COVID-19. Generally, patients recover within a few days after receiving medical treatment and medication. However, the health authorities emphasize that vaccination is important to prevent severe illness, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions.

Even if vaccinated before, the flu vaccine must be administered annually. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop.

The government will start free flu vaccinations on the 21st for children aged 13 and under who require two doses. From the 5th of next month, one-dose vaccinations will be offered free to children and pregnant women. Starting from the 12th, free vaccinations will be available sequentially for seniors aged 75 and older, from the 17th for those 70 and older, and from the 20th for those 65 and older, according to age groups.

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