"'Flu Patients' Decline After Peak... KDCA Urges Compliance with Prevention Rules During Seollal Holiday"

57.7 Suspected Influenza Cases per 1,000 Outpatients
Two Consecutive Weeks of Decline After Peak (99.8 Cases)
Still Much Higher Than Epidemic Threshold (8.6 Cases)

Source=Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

Influenza has passed its peak and has been decreasing for two consecutive weeks, but it still remains at a level much higher than the epidemic threshold. Health authorities have urged the public to strictly follow respiratory infection prevention guidelines such as handwashing, cough etiquette, and wearing masks during the Lunar New Year holiday period.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 24th, the number of suspected influenza patients at outpatient clinics during the third week of this month (January 12?18) was 57.7 per 1,000 outpatients, a 33.0% decrease compared to the previous week (86.1). However, this is still significantly higher than the epidemic threshold for this season (8.6), indicating that the outbreak is ongoing. By age group, the highest incidence was among children aged 7?12, followed by those aged 13?18 and 1?6.

The number of influenza hospitalizations at hospital-level medical institutions also decreased by 24.1% to 1,235 in the third week of this month, compared to 1,627 the previous week. Although this is lower than levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains high compared to the same period last year.

According to respiratory virus pathogen surveillance results, the influenza virus detection rate in the third week of this month was 45.6%, down 17.1% from the previous week. The virus types detected were 'A(H1N1)pdm09' at 28.5%, 'A(H3N2)' at 15.7%, and 'Type B' at 1.4%.

The KDCA emphasized, "The influenza viruses currently circulating are antigenically similar to this season’s vaccine strains, so sufficient preventive effects can be expected from vaccination," and added, "No variants showing resistance to antiviral drugs have been identified, making effective treatment possible."

In particular, during the Lunar New Year holiday, designated medical institutions where influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are available can be checked on the Vaccination Helper website. Additionally, during the influenza epidemic advisory period, high-risk groups such as children with suspected influenza symptoms and pregnant women can receive antiviral prescriptions (two types) without testing, and health insurance benefits will be recognized, allowing for earlier and more active treatment.

At a meeting with related agencies, Ji Young-mi, Commissioner of the KDCA, stated, "To protect high-risk groups vulnerable to respiratory infections, we ask for special efforts to increase vaccination rates for influenza and COVID-19, along with strict adherence to infection prevention guidelines by residents and workers in vulnerable facilities." She added, "The KDCA will continue to promote respiratory infection prevention guidelines in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and local governments."

She continued, "As a long holiday begins next week with expected large-scale travel and gatherings, we urge the public to strictly follow respiratory infection prevention measures such as handwashing, cough etiquette, and ventilation to have a healthy Lunar New Year holiday." She emphasized, "Especially for the elderly and other high-risk groups for respiratory infections, it is safer to wear masks indoors in enclosed spaces and to avoid participating in large events when possible. Visitors and workers at vulnerable facilities and medical institutions should wear masks to protect high-risk groups."