"Flu is spreading" ... New COVID-19 variant emerges again

15 Cases of BF.7, a Subvariant of BA.5, Confirmed Domestically
35 Cases of BA.2.75.2 Variant Derived from Kentauros Also Detected

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@

Although the decline in the resurgence of COVID-19 continues, additional new variants have been identified, keeping health authorities on high alert. With a sharp increase in influenza cases, concerns are growing over a 'twindemic' where both COVID-19 and influenza spread simultaneously.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 6th, the BF.7 variant, which is increasing globally in countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, and the United States, has been detected 15 times domestically. It was first detected on August 11 in a person who tested positive for COVID-19 after entering the country on July 28. Since then, 7 domestic cases and 8 imported cases have been confirmed.

The BF.7 variant is a subvariant of the BA.5 variant, currently the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Korea, and research on its characteristics such as transmissibility is still limited. The Central Disease Control Headquarters explained, "About 10,000 cases of the BF.7 variant have been confirmed in Europe and the United States, and confirmed cases have increased over 2 to 3 weeks in Germany, France, and Belgium, but the number of deaths continues to decline."

Another new variant, BA.2.75.2, derived from the BA.2.75 variant known as 'Centaurus,' was first detected domestically on August 18, with a total of 35 cases confirmed so far. Among these, 3 are domestic cases and 32 are imported.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of the 26th of last month, 732 cases of the BA.2.75.2 variant have been reported in 28 countries including India, the United States, and Singapore. Notably, compared to the BA.2.75 variant, BA.2.75.2 has three additional mutations in the spike protein, raising the possibility of increased immune evasion.

Alongside the emergence of these new COVID-19 variants, the spread of influenza continues. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, during the 39th week (September 18?24), the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) patients was 4.9 per 1,000 outpatients, an increase of 0.2 from 4.7 the previous week. Previously, the number of ILI patients steadily rose from 2.6 in the 27th week (June 26?July 2) to 2.9 → 3.4 → 3.5 → 3.6 → 3.3 → 3.7 → 4.2 → 4.3 → 4.7, reaching as high as 5.1 in the 37th week.

The government began providing free national influenza vaccinations last month on the 21st for children receiving their first-ever flu vaccine with two doses. From the day before, free influenza vaccinations have been offered to children aged 6 months to under 13 years old who require one dose, as well as to pregnant women.

In a report during yesterday’s National Assembly audit, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stated, "Although the COVID-19 outbreak is currently on a downward trend, there are concerns about the simultaneous winter spread of COVID-19 and influenza, the possibility of another resurgence, and the emergence of new variants such as BA.2.75.2." Im Suk-young, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters Situation Management Division, also said, "The COVID-19 infection reproduction number has remained below 1 for six consecutive weeks, indicating a relatively stabilized situation," but added, "As the weather gets colder, there are concerns about increased viral activity and the possibility of seasonal influenza outbreaks," recommending adherence to basic quarantine rules and vaccination.