"Reinfection Occurs at Intervals of 2 to 3 Weeks"
As the influenza (flu) epidemic rapidly spreads, Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital urged, "The rate of increase in flu patients this year is unprecedented," and emphasized, "You should get vaccinated even now."
On the 8th, during CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Professor Lee stated, "The currently circulating type A influenza viruses are two types, H1N1 and H3N2, so even if you catch one, you can still get infected by the other virus later," and stressed, "Type B influenza may also spread after February, so even if you have had the flu now, you should get vaccinated." He added, "In fact, some patients are getting infected twice at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks."
On the afternoon of the 7th, a notice for influenza vaccination is posted at a clinic in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.
He also advised that those with respiratory symptoms should promptly get tested at a hospital. Professor Lee explained, "It is difficult to distinguish between the flu and a common cold in daily life," adding, "A typical symptom of the flu is a sudden high fever accompanied by body aches all over, but among flu patients, some have very mild symptoms that are indistinguishable from a common cold." He said, "Among respiratory viruses, only influenza and COVID-19 have treatments available," and emphasized, "Especially for high-risk groups, getting diagnosed and treated at a hospital can prevent complications, so diagnosis should be expedited."
Professor Lee warned that neglecting the flu can lead to pneumonia as a complication. He explained, "There are quite a few cases of pneumonia even among young people regardless of age," and added, "Although elderly patients make up the majority of hospitalized cases, people in their 20s and 30s with underlying conditions such as asthma can also be hospitalized due to pneumonia."
Recently, the flu has been spreading on the largest scale since 2016. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that, based on sentinel surveillance of 300 clinics for influenza-like illness (suspected patients showing flu symptoms), the number of outpatients per 1,000 recorded 73.9 in the 52nd week of last year (December 22?28). This is the highest since 2016, when the number was 86.2 per 1,000 outpatients.
With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching, the KDCA is recommending flu vaccination. On this day, KDCA Director Ji Young-mi said, "During the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, increased travel and group activities will likely lead to a rise in influenza and COVID-19 infections," and urged, "To spend a safe and healthy time with your family, high-risk groups such as those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and children who have not yet been vaccinated should get vaccinated before the Lunar New Year holiday."
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