"Hurry Up and Get Vaccinated"... Gwangju City Issues 'Flu Advisory'

"Emphasis on Thorough Personal Hygiene Such as Vaccinations and Handwashing"

Influenza Alert Poster. Provided by Gwangju City

Gwangju City recently urged citizens on the 24th to participate in influenza vaccinations and to follow personal hygiene guidelines as influenza is rapidly spreading.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) issued a nationwide "Influenza Epidemic Advisory" on the 20th. Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, commonly referred to as "the flu."

According to the KDCA, the number of suspected influenza cases nationwide was 13.6 per 1,000 outpatients in the second week of December (December 8-14), exceeding the epidemic threshold of 8.6. In particular, Gwangju recorded 19.4 suspected cases per 1,000 outpatients during the same period, surpassing the national average.

Although this is lower compared to the same period last year, when the epidemic was severe (54.1 cases per 1,000 nationwide), the number of cases has been increasing over the past four weeks, requiring extra caution. In fact, the nationwide rate of suspected influenza cases rose from 4.8 in week 47, to 5.7 in week 48, 7.3 in week 49, and 13.6 in week 50. In Gwangju, the numbers increased from 6.4 in week 47, to 7.7 in week 48, 12.5 in week 49, and 19.4 in week 50.

The city recommended "vaccination" as the most effective way to prevent and control the spread of influenza. The KDCA explained that the current circulating influenza virus strain (Type A) is very similar to the vaccine strain for this season, so vaccination is expected to be highly effective. It especially emphasized that seniors aged 65 and older, who are at high risk for severe complications, and children and adolescents who are vulnerable due to group living, should actively participate in vaccination.

Since September 20, Gwangju City has been offering free influenza vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older in preparation for the influenza season. The city also urged citizens to follow personal hygiene guidelines to prevent influenza. These include wearing masks, proper handwashing, and practicing cough etiquette. Those experiencing a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, along with cough or sore throat, are advised to seek prompt treatment at a nearby medical institution.

Jung Younghwa, Director of the Welfare and Health Bureau, said, "For vulnerable groups such as seniors and children, please get vaccinated as soon as possible to prepare for the possibility of a greater influenza outbreak during the winter."

Meanwhile, during the influenza epidemic advisory period, high-risk groups who are prescribed antiviral medication for suspected symptoms will be eligible for health insurance benefits, reducing their medical expenses.

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