Damyang County Urges Adherence to Influenza Prevention Guidelines Amid Spread

Encouraging Vaccination
for the Unvaccinated

Influenza Outbreak Advisory Prevention Guidelines Poster. Provided by Damyang County

Damyang County in Jeonnam has recently begun encouraging residents to follow respiratory infection prevention guidelines and get vaccinated, following the recent influenza (flu) epidemic advisory.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 10th, the number of suspected influenza patients per 1,000 outpatients visiting sample surveillance medical institutions in the first week of this year was 99.8, a 1.4-fold increase from 73.9 the previous week. Last week, the figure had already reached the highest level in eight years since 2016 (86.2), and the number has since increased further.

Influenza is transmitted through droplets, making it especially important to follow infectious disease prevention rules and get vaccinated, particularly in schools and facilities vulnerable to infection where people live in groups and immunity may be weak.

The five major prevention guidelines for respiratory infections are: ▲Cover your mouth with your sleeve when coughing ▲Practice proper handwashing regularly ▲Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands ▲Ventilate indoor spaces frequently (10 minutes every 2 hours) ▲Visit a medical institution and receive appropriate treatment if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In particular, the currently circulating influenza virus is very similar to the vaccine produced for the 24-25 season, so vaccination is expected to provide sufficient preventive effects.

County Governor Lee Byungno stated, "As influenza cases are rapidly increasing, I urge everyone to follow prevention guidelines such as handwashing, cough etiquette, and wearing a mask if you have respiratory symptoms, and to get vaccinated to ensure a safe and healthy Lunar New Year holiday with your family."