Jeonju City Urges Residents to Follow Personal Hygiene Guidelines Amid Influenza Outbreak

Jeonju Public Health Center (Director Kim Sinsun) has recently urged citizens to get vaccinated and follow personal hygiene guidelines as the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, including influenza, continues.

According to Jeonju Public Health Center on the 6th, since the nationwide influenza epidemic advisory was issued on the 20th of last month, the center has been intensively promoting respiratory infection prevention guidelines to vulnerable facilities such as kindergartens and daycare centers in Jeonju.

Influenza Alert Poster. Provided by Jeonju City

원본보기 아이콘

According to the influenza sample surveillance of 300 clinics operated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of influenza patients experiencing sudden fever of 38°C or higher and cough or sore throat has steadily increased over the past four weeks.

In fact, around the end of December last year, the number of influenza patients per 1,000 outpatients was 73.9, a 136% increase compared to mid-December.

Notably, the increase was observed across all age groups, with the highest incidence among those aged 13-18 (151.3 per 1,000), followed by those aged 7-12 (137.3 per 1,000), and 19-49 (93.6 per 1,000) at the end of last year.

Influenza is characterized by respiratory symptoms such as high fever (38-40°C), dry cough, and sore throat, as well as systemic symptoms including headache, muscle pain, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite.

While most cases are mild and resolve naturally, the elderly, infants, and those with chronic diseases may develop complications or experience worsening of underlying conditions, potentially requiring hospitalization, and in some cases, it can be fatal. Therefore, appropriate medical consultation, testing, and treatment are important.

Given that the disease is transmitted through respiratory droplets from infected individuals, it is essential to strictly follow respiratory infection prevention guidelines, such as practicing proper cough etiquette, washing hands thoroughly, avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, ventilating indoor spaces frequently, and seeking appropriate medical care at healthcare facilities if experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms.

Director Kim Sinsun stated, "Currently, not only influenza but also various respiratory infectious diseases such as pertussis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection are continuously spreading. I urge citizens, especially those who have not yet received the influenza vaccine, as well as children, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older, to get vaccinated and to strictly follow the respiratory infection prevention guidelines."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.