Gyeonggi Health and Environment Research Institute Issues 'Influenza Outbreak Advisory'

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment has warned of a sharp increase in influenza cases in the province during the winter season and urged caution against infection.

The institute announced on the 23rd that influenza virus detection rates surged from 4.0% (1 out of 25 people) in the second week of December to 25% (5 out of 20 people) in the third week, based on tests conducted on respiratory symptom patients at three sentinel surveillance medical institutions in the province.

Sentinel surveillance medical institutions refer to healthcare facilities that participate in sentinel surveillance by collecting data to predict and prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reporting to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment

The influenza viruses detected in this survey were A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2), both of which are type A.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute respiratory disease caused by infection with influenza viruses (Influenza virus A, B, C, D). It is mainly transmitted through droplets from infected patients and can be treated with symptomatic therapy or antiviral drugs. Major symptoms of infection include high fever (38℃ or higher), dry cough, sore throat, respiratory symptoms, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

A representative from the Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment emphasized, "With the influenza epidemic advisory issued on the 20th and the increasing number of infections, it is important to strictly follow personal hygiene and preventive measures to prevent infection and its spread." They added, "Especially in preparation for the possibility of a larger influenza outbreak during the winter season, it is necessary to participate in vaccination as soon as possible in group facilities such as childcare centers, schools, and nursing homes."