Flu Cases Surge 14-Fold... Hanam City: "Vaccination and Handwashing Are the Most Reliable Defense"

Influenza Cases Surge 14-Fold, Marking Highest Level in a Decade
City Urges Adherence to Preventive Measures to Curb Spread Among Children and Adolescents

Hanam City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Hyunjae) has strongly urged citizens to get vaccinated against influenza and to practice proper handwashing, as the recent spread of influenza has become increasingly severe.

Influenza Vaccination Poster. Provided by Hanam City

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the proportion of suspected influenza cases has risen sharply since the influenza advisory was issued in mid-October. As of the second week of November, there were 66.3 suspected cases per 1,000 people, an increase of more than 30% compared to the previous week. This figure is about 14 times higher than the same period last year (4.6 cases) and marks the highest level for this period in the past 10 years, raising concerns about the possibility of a large-scale outbreak.

The city explained that the A (H3N2) virus is mainly spreading among children and adolescents, and although some mutations have been detected, vaccination is still considered effective. Therefore, it is more important than ever to follow personal preventive measures and get vaccinated to minimize the spread of infection.

Given the seasonal increase in indoor activities and contact in multi-use facilities, there is a higher risk of transmission through hands, as more people touch surfaces such as public transportation handles, elevator buttons, and door handles. If you are unable to wash your hands, the city advised avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.

In fact, about 60% of respiratory infectious diseases are known to be transmitted via hands, making it essential to wash hands after coming home. The city emphasized that simply developing the habit of washing hands thoroughly with soap for at least 30 seconds can significantly reduce the spread of major infectious diseases such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV), and COVID-19.

The six steps for proper handwashing are: ▲ rubbing palm to palm ▲ rubbing the back of each hand ▲ rubbing palm to palm with fingers interlaced ▲ rubbing the backs of fingers to opposing palms ▲ rotational rubbing of thumbs ▲ rubbing fingertips on the opposite palm to clean under the nails.

The city also recommended wearing a KF94 mask if you have respiratory symptoms. In particular, if you have a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, it is important to get sufficient rest. The city explained that "showing social consideration by not attending school, daycare, or work while symptomatic is the most practical way to prevent the spread of the outbreak."

If you have not yet received an influenza vaccination, it is recommended that you do so. Hanam City Public Health Center continues to provide free influenza vaccinations in cooperation with local medical institutions for high-risk groups, including children (ages 6 months to 13 years), pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older.

In particular, residents and immunocompromised individuals in infection-prone group facilities (such as nursing hospitals, long-term care institutions for the elderly, mental health facilities, and welfare facilities for the disabled) are at higher risk of severe illness if infected, so it is strongly recommended that they get vaccinated before it is too late.

Park Kangyong, Director of Hanam City Public Health Center, stated, "Vaccination, handwashing, and mask-wearing are safe ways to protect not only yourself but also the health of your family and neighbors," adding, "We hope that a culture of prevention will spread at home and in the workplace, especially to protect vulnerable seniors and children."

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