Gyeonggi Institute of Health and Environment Urges Adherence to Personal Guidelines Amid Influenza Spread

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government has urged residents to strictly adhere to personal hygiene guidelines following the issuance of an influenza epidemic advisory.

The Gyeonggi Institute of Health and Environment called for thorough compliance with personal preventive measures such as vaccination, hand washing, and proper cough etiquette after the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued a nationwide "influenza epidemic advisory" on October 17.

An influenza epidemic advisory is issued after consultation with experts when the proportion of outpatients with influenza-like illness (fever of 38°C or higher, cough, sore throat, etc.) exceeds the epidemic threshold of 9.1 per 1,000 outpatients.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

This advisory is typically issued between autumn and winter (from October to April of the following year). This year, it was issued about two months earlier than last year-on December 20-due to a rise in the number of influenza cases over the past four weeks.

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus and is characterized by a sudden and severe high fever (38-40°C) and generalized muscle pain, which are more intense than those of a common cold. Special caution is needed for high-risk groups such as infants and young children, pregnant women, and those aged 65 and older, as infection can progress to severe illness in these populations.

The provincial Institute of Health and Environment is testing individuals with respiratory symptoms who visit sample surveillance medical institutions in the province for influenza and seven types of acute respiratory viruses. The results are shared with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for ongoing monitoring.

To prevent and curb the spread of influenza, the following guidelines should be observed: ▲ Practice proper cough etiquette (cover your mouth with your sleeve when sneezing, wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms); ▲ Make proper hand washing a habit (wash hands with running water for at least 30 seconds); ▲ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; ▲ Ventilate indoor spaces frequently (10 minutes every 2 hours); ▲ If you have a fever or respiratory symptoms, refrain from attending school or work and visit a medical institution for treatment.