Follow Personal Hygiene Guidelines, Including Wearing Masks
Hwasun County in South Jeolla Province announced on the 23rd that, following the recent issuance of an influenza epidemic advisory by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, it is urging residents to adhere to respiratory infection prevention guidelines and to receive influenza vaccinations.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, sample surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) patients at medical institutions over the past four weeks showed the following proportions of ILI patients per 1,000 outpatients: 8.0 in week 38, 9.0 in week 39, 12.1 in week 40, and 14.5 in week 41. These figures have already exceeded the epidemic threshold of 9.1, and the advisory was issued about two months earlier than last year.
By age group, the incidence rate was highest among children aged 7 to 12 at 24.3 per 1,000, followed by those aged 1 to 6 at 19.0 per 1,000. When an epidemic advisory is issued, high-risk groups-including children, pregnant women, seniors aged 65 and older, and those with chronic illnesses-are eligible for health insurance coverage for antiviral medications (such as Tamiflu capsules and Relenza Rotadisk) based solely on suspected influenza symptoms.
The influenza virus is a pathogen that causes the flu and is primarily transmitted through respiratory secretions such as a patient's cough or nasal discharge. Major symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. In particular, high-risk groups such as seniors, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses are at greater risk of complications like pneumonia.
To prevent infection and curb the spread, it is important to: practice proper cough etiquette (cover your mouth with your sleeve when sneezing, wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms); regularly wash your hands thoroughly (for at least 30 seconds under running water); ventilate indoor spaces frequently (for 10 minutes every two hours); and refrain from attending school or work if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms, instead visiting a medical institution promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
Since September 22, the county has allowed residents to receive influenza vaccinations at nearby designated medical institutions regardless of their registered address. Vaccinations for influenza and COVID-19 (for those aged 65 and older) are currently being provided for children (from 6 months to 13 years old), pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and above.
Park Mira, head of the Hwasun County Public Health Center, stated, "This year, the influenza epidemic is progressing more rapidly than in previous years, so I urge everyone to make cough etiquette and handwashing a habit, and for high-risk groups to be sure to get vaccinated. If you develop symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention at a nearby institution immediately."
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