COVID-19 Decline 'Stalls'... Sharp Rise in Influenza and Respiratory Infections Among Infants and Toddlers

7 Influenza Infections Among 1000 Patients
2.2 Times Epidemic Threshold in Ages 1-6... 'Saram Metanumo Virus' Also Epidemic

Amid the issuance of an "Influenza Epidemic Advisory," on the first day of free influenza vaccinations for children, pregnant women, and the elderly on the 21st, a child is receiving a vaccination at a pediatric clinic in Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As the decline in the resurgence of COVID-19 slows down, the influenza (flu) epidemic continues, and the number of patients with acute respiratory infections is also increasing. In particular, the number of patients infected with 'human metapneumovirus,' which occurs frequently in infants and young children, is rising, prompting health authorities to urge caution.

According to the Disease Control and Prevention Agency's 'Weekly Infectious Disease Sentinel Surveillance Newsletter' on the 16th, the influenza-like illness (ILI) rate per 1,000 outpatients in the 41st week of this year (October 2?8) was 7.0, maintaining the 7-level for two consecutive weeks following the previous week (7.1). Until the 39th week, the ILI rate was around 4.9, which was equal to this year's epidemic threshold (4.9), but it surged by 44.9% in the 40th week compared to the previous week, far exceeding the epidemic threshold.

Moreover, the ILI rate among infants and young children aged 1 to 6 was 10.7, much higher than that of the 19?49 age group (7.5), and 2.2 times higher than the influenza epidemic threshold. The figures were 8.3 for ages 13?18 and 6.1 for ages 7?12.

＜ Influenza Suspected Cases Ratio by Age Group ＞

Meanwhile, the number of patients infected with human metapneumovirus is also increasing. According to the surveillance results by pathogen type of acute respiratory infections announced by the Disease Control and Prevention Agency, human metapneumovirus increased from 24.8% during October 11?17 last month to 38.4% during October 2?8 this month. Typically, human metapneumovirus cases increase in spring and summer, but this year, following the easing of social distancing measures due to COVID-19, cases have been rising from early autumn.

Human metapneumovirus infection is classified as a Class 4 legally designated infectious disease. Symptoms include fever, cough, sputum, runny nose, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can cause lower respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. There is no preventive vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, so symptomatic treatment using antipyretics is provided. It mainly occurs in infants and young children and spreads through direct transmission via respiratory droplets and indirect transmission through contact with secretions from infected individuals or contaminated objects. Children can shed human metapneumovirus for up to three weeks and can transmit the virus during the symptomatic period.

Is the number of new COVID-19 cases rising again?

After a steady decline since early September, the number of COVID-19 cases has plateaued since the latter part of last week. According to local governments including Seoul, as of 9 PM on the 15th, the nationwide number of confirmed COVID-19 cases was 20,718. This is 1,234 fewer than the same time the previous day (21,952), but 3,784 more than a week ago on the 8th (16,934).

Earlier, as of midnight on the 15th, the number of confirmed cases was 22,844, which was 739 fewer than the previous day (23,583) but 3,419 more than a week ago on the 8th (19,425). Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, explained in a briefing on the 14th, "The declining trend of the epidemic has temporarily stalled, and the situation of confirmed cases this week compared to the previous week has entered a plateau phase."

As the decline in the COVID-19 epidemic slows, there is a possibility that the scale of confirmed cases may rebound again, coinciding with the influenza epidemic.

Jeong Ki-seok, chairman of the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee, stated at the full committee meeting on the 13th, "Preparation is needed for the simultaneous epidemic of COVID-19 and influenza, including COVID-19 bivalent vaccines and flu vaccinations," and emphasized, "Considering the current stable epidemic situation, reduced fatality rate, immunity acquisition status, vaccines, treatments, and medical response capacity, mid- to long-term response plans after the 6th COVID-19 wave should also be prepared in advance."

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