Masan Health Center, "Beware of Unwelcome Guests: Flu and Influenza Infection"

Masan Health Center in Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, urged caution on the 6th against the unwelcome guests of flu and influenza infections that come without warning during the changing seasons.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, although the overall COVID-19 outbreak remains stable, the proportion of suspected influenza patients has increased to 13.2 per 1,000 outpatients from 11.7 the previous week, showing signs of a recent resurgence.

Influenza type B, rather than the type A virus that dominated the winter, has begun to appear. This virus type mainly emerges during the changing seasons, is known to be less virulent than type A, and generally causes smaller-scale outbreaks compared to type A.

Symptoms mainly manifest as upper respiratory infections, including high fever accompanied by fatigue, headache, chills, and muscle pain. However, special caution is required for infants, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly who already have health issues, as there is a risk of complications from these symptoms.

Cho Hyun-guk, director of Masan Health Center, said, “We are always operating an influenza surveillance system and strengthening prevention and management of respiratory infectious diseases by guiding people to receive necessary medical care if they show symptoms such as sudden fever over 38 degrees Celsius, cough, or sore throat.”

He added, “During the changing seasons, always carry an extra coat to maintain proper body temperature and drink plenty of warm water.”