"Unusually High Flu Outbreak Despite Mild Cold... Get Vaccinated to Prepare for Winter"

Despite the recent abnormal heatwave causing hot weather across the country, the spread of influenza remains serious. Influenza typically spreads when the weather gets colder and many people gather in enclosed spaces. There are concerns that a major influenza outbreak could occur once the weather becomes truly cold. Health authorities are closely monitoring the fact that the influenza vaccination rate recently has been low compared to the same time last year.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 5th, during the 43rd week of this year (October 22?28), the number of patients showing suspected influenza symptoms per 1,000 outpatients was 32.6. This is an increase of over 70% compared to the previous week (18.8). The number of influenza patients has been rising for three consecutive weeks. Patients who visit hospitals or clinics with sudden fever over 38 degrees Celsius, cough, and sore throat are classified as suspected influenza cases.

The influenza epidemic threshold for this season is 6.5. When this threshold is exceeded, it is said that influenza is spreading, and currently, the number of suspected influenza patients is about five times this threshold.

In particular, influenza is spreading mainly among children and adolescents. The number of suspected influenza patients aged 7?12 increased significantly from 50.4 to 86.9, and those aged 13?18 increased from 39.9 to 67.5. A KDCA official stated, “Influenza outbreaks centered on children and adolescents have surged, reaching the largest scale in the past five years.”

The KDCA urged people to get influenza vaccinations promptly. Free influenza vaccinations are being provided for children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older. The KDCA emphasized, “Despite this, the recent influenza vaccination rate is lower than the same period last year,” and stressed the need for active participation in vaccination by the public. Influenza vaccinations can be received at nearby public health centers or designated medical institutions regardless of the address.

When diagnosed with influenza, one should refrain from going out except for essential hospital visits until 24 hours after the fever subsides. This is because the patient remains contagious during this period. While resting at home, contact with high-risk groups such as seniors aged 65 and older within the household should be avoided.

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