Lee Jaegap "Increase in COVID-19, Flu, Mycoplasma... Masks Must Be Worn"

"Flu and Mycoplasma Early Symptoms Similar... Need to Visit Hospital"

Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital emphasized that it is difficult to distinguish Mycoplasma pneumonia from the flu based on early symptoms and that consultation with a specialist is necessary.

On the 6th, Professor Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Currently, influenza is increasing, especially among children, but the early symptoms of pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma are almost indistinguishable from the flu," adding, "If respiratory symptoms and high fever occur, you should quickly visit a hospital to check whether it is the flu or not. If it is not the flu and symptoms are severe, an X-ray should be taken to check whether pneumonia is accompanied."

Children and guardians waiting for flu and outpatient treatment at Seongbuk Woori Children's Hospital in Seoul. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Photo by Yonhap News.

Regarding the recent outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumonia in China, he explained, "Countries that strictly enforced border closures during COVID-19 saw little circulation of various viruses and bacteria, so now these infections are spreading more severely. This pattern has been observed with several viruses," and added, "In China, similar to South Korea, outbreaks have occurred in cycles of about 3 to 4 years, but many children who have not experienced this are now leading to a very large-scale outbreak."

Fortunately, the transmissibility of Mycoplasma pneumonia is not high. Professor Lee said, "These bacteria mostly spread through droplets," but added, "However, since children engage in group activities, the frequency of contact is very high, which can make the transmission appear faster."

Regarding the fatality rate, he said, "It depends on the immune status of the children," and added, "With appropriate treatment, there are not many children who die, but recently, with the spread of various resistant strains and antibiotic-resistant strains, the number of children admitted to intensive care units has increased."

Furthermore, Professor Lee explained, "Currently, COVID-19 cases have been increasing again since two weeks ago, influenza is increasing, Mycoplasma is increasing, and almost all respiratory viruses that typically spread in autumn and winter are on the rise," adding, "Many viruses that did not circulate during COVID-19 could affect this winter similarly to last winter, which is significantly impacting pediatric outpatient care."

He continued, "People with respiratory symptoms or children should refrain from attending school, and if they must go outside, they should definitely wear masks," and said, "For the elderly, high-risk groups, and those caring for high-risk individuals, wearing masks during the circulation of various respiratory viruses and bacteria, as is happening now, is helpful."