Concerns Over Simultaneous COVID-19 and Flu Outbreaks: "Typical Symptoms Differ"

Jeong Gi-seok, Chair of the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee, Briefing

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the detection of influenza, which had been quiet, is increasing, raising concerns that COVID-19 and influenza could spread simultaneously.

Jung Ki-seok, Chair of the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee (Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters COVID-19 Special Response Team), said on the 14th, "Influenza cases suddenly started to increase in 2022, but compared to influenza in 2018 and 2019, it is still in the early stages," adding, "Now is the best time to prepare for influenza."

Chairman Jung explained that the possibility of simultaneous outbreaks of COVID-19 and influenza is high. He said, "There was virtually no influenza in 2020, 2021, and even this year," and explained, "Because people wore masks, practiced hand hygiene, and international travel between countries was greatly reduced, the transmission of influenza between countries disappeared."

However, influenza cases began to increase from the end of last month, and the upward trend is expected to continue. Chairman Jung said that the occurrence of influenza "could increase significantly" and emphasized, "We must prepare thoroughly."

Since both influenza and COVID-19 are respiratory infectious diseases, there are concerns that it is difficult to distinguish between the two diseases with similar symptoms. Chairman Jung explained that the typical symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 are different. He emphasized, "Influenza has very unique and typical symptoms that only influenza has," and "Symptoms start suddenly." In the case of influenza, symptoms such as sudden fever, body aches, and headaches appear at the onset. He added, "Doctors are likely well aware of this from experience," but also said, "However, to ensure accuracy, testing is absolutely necessary."

Both COVID-19 and influenza can be tested using rapid antigen tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Chairman Jung said, "PCR tests are accurate, but for quick diagnosis, I recommend focusing more on rapid antigen tests."

Additionally, both influenza and COVID-19 have vaccines. In Korea, a quadrivalent vaccine containing four influenza viruses expected to circulate this year is used to provide free influenza vaccinations to those aged 6 months to 13 years and those aged 65 and older. Chairman Jung explained, "As seen with the COVID-19 vaccine, the influenza vaccine does not provide 100% prevention. Many people get influenza even after vaccination," but added, "Vaccines are still important not only for disease prevention but also for reducing severity and death."

Chairman Jung emphasized, "We have almost everything we need: prevention through vaccines, rapid diagnosis anytime with rapid antigen tests, and treatments," but stressed, "For influenza, medication must be taken within 48 hours of infection to be effective."

Finally, Chairman Jung advised that although Korea’s influenza treatment system is well established, some adjustments are necessary. He said, "There is no country with a better influenza treatment system than Korea," but added that if COVID-19 cases increase explosively, preparations must be made to handle influenza patients simultaneously, urging the government and local governments to establish readiness measures.

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