'Flu Epidemic Advisory' Issued Two Months Earlier Than Last Year... Surge in Child and Adolescent Cases

KDCA: 14.5 Suspected Flu Cases per 1,000 Outpatients
Free Vaccinations Recommended for High-Risk Groups, Including Pregnant Women and Seniors

An influenza (flu) epidemic advisory has been issued nationwide.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on October 17 that it had issued the epidemic advisory as of midnight, citing a rise in the number of flu patients.

This advisory comes about four months after the 2024-2025 season flu epidemic advisory was lifted on June 13. Last year, the advisory was issued later, in December.

According to the KDCA, from September 28 to October 4, which is the 40th week of this year, the proportion of suspected flu cases per 1,000 outpatients at 298 sample medical institutions was 12.1 (1.2%), exceeding the epidemic threshold for this season (9.1 per 1,000). This figure has been steadily increasing: 8.0 in week 38, 9.0 in week 39, 12.1 in week 40, and 14.5 in week 41.

The KDCA explained, "The incidence is rising across all age groups, and in week 41, the proportion of suspected flu cases was especially high among children and adolescents, with 24.3 per 1,000 in the 7-12 age group and 19.0 per 1,000 in the 1-6 age group."

A suspected flu case refers to a patient showing symptoms such as a fever of 38°C or higher, along with cough, sore throat, or other suspected symptoms. The proportion of suspected flu cases is a surveillance indicator used by the KDCA to assess the flu epidemic, representing the ratio of outpatients at sample medical institutions who show suspected flu symptoms per 1,000 patients.

The detection rate of flu viruses in respiratory samples from clinic-level patients is also on the rise, increasing from 2.1% in week 38, 3.0% in week 39, 7.1% in week 40, to 8.1% in week 41.

The flu virus currently circulating is mainly type A (H3N2), which is similar to the vaccine strain (the reference strain used for vaccine production) for this season, and no mutations affecting resistance to antiviral medications have been identified.

With the issuance of the flu epidemic advisory, high-risk groups such as children, pregnant women, seniors aged 65 and older, and those with chronic illnesses are eligible for health insurance coverage when prescribed antiviral medications (Tamiflu, Relenza Rotadisk) for suspected flu symptoms.

To prevent flu-related harm and further spread, the KDCA is currently running a free flu vaccination program for high-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older.

Vaccinations are currently underway for children aged 6 months to 13 years (born between January 1, 2012 and August 31 of this year), pregnant women, and seniors aged 75 and older (born before December 31, 1950). Those aged 70-74 will be eligible for free flu vaccinations starting October 20, and those aged 65-69 from October 22.

Im Seungkwan, Commissioner of the KDCA, emphasized, "The flu epidemic is starting earlier than usual this year, so caution is needed. High-risk groups such as seniors and children should receive vaccinations before the epidemic becomes widespread, and those experiencing high fever or other symptoms should seek medical attention promptly." He also urged, "Since the number of suspected cases among children and adolescents is rising rapidly, we ask that daycare centers and schools recommend vaccinations and strengthen education and promotion of respiratory infection prevention measures."