[Click! Health] "Coughing Flu Patients Surge... Get Vaccinated Even Now"

The number of patients suspected to have contracted influenza (flu) this winter has risen to the highest level in five years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people consistently wore masks, but as mask-wearing was completely lifted this year, those without immunity appear to have become more vulnerable to infection.

As the cold season fully sets in, people become more susceptible to the flu, so those who have not yet received the flu vaccine are advised to get vaccinated promptly.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 16th, the number of patients showing flu-like symptoms per 1,000 outpatients during the second week of December (December 3?9) was 61.3. This represents a 26.1% increase compared to the previous week (48.6), marking the highest figure in five years since 2019. It is 9.4 times higher than the 2023?2024 seasonal epidemic threshold of 6.5.

In particular, the flu is spreading widely among children and adolescents. The proportion of suspected cases was 133.4 per 1,000 in the 13?18 age group and 120.1 per 1,000 in the 7?12 age group, which are 20.5 times and 18.5 times the epidemic threshold, respectively.

With a severe cold wave forecast to begin on the 16th, the spread of the flu is likely to continue for some time. Accordingly, the KDCA urged that children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and the elderly aged 65 and above?who are at relatively higher risk of complications such as pneumonia from flu infection?must get vaccinated.

Jiyoungmi, Director of the KDCA, emphasized, "It is essential to follow personal hygiene rules such as proper handwashing, cough etiquette, and wearing masks. In communal living spaces such as kindergartens and daycare centers, the shared use of utensils, towels, and toys should be limited, and respiratory symptoms in children should be monitored so that medical institutions can be visited promptly when necessary."

As the number of suspected flu patients surged, the government decided to supply an additional 1.26 million doses of antiviral drugs. Last month, 316,000 doses of antiviral drugs were also released to the market.

The government plans to monitor the supply situation and provide additional supplies as needed. If necessary, measures such as encouraging pharmaceutical companies to increase production of antiviral drugs will also be taken.