Flu Cases Rapidly Surpass Epidemic Threshold
Emergency Distribution of Masks to High-Risk Facilities
The number of influenza (flu) cases in the Jeonnam region has surged more than fivefold in just one month. As the number has far exceeded the epidemic threshold, health authorities have strongly urged high-risk groups to get vaccinated and strictly follow personal hygiene guidelines.
According to the "Sample Surveillance Results of Suspected Influenza Patients at Clinic-Level Medical Institutions" released by Jeonnam Province on November 20, the number of suspected flu patients per 1,000 outpatients rose from 9.0 in week 42, to 11.0 in week 43, 19.4 in week 44, and soared to 49.7 in week 45. This represents an increase of more than five times in just one month. The national influenza epidemic threshold (9.1) has already been greatly surpassed.
The main symptoms of the flu are a sudden fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, cough, and sore throat. In children, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has announced that the currently circulating virus is type A (H3N2). As this year's vaccine is similar to the circulating strain, it is known to be sufficiently effective.
Since September, Jeonnam Province has provided free vaccinations, with 405,000 people aged 65 and older (79.4%), 83,000 children (54.3%), and 4,000 pregnant women having completed vaccination. The province is working to further increase the vaccination rate by sending individual text messages and other measures.
In addition, video conferences were held with city and county public health centers to encourage vaccination among children, and the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education was asked to strengthen respiratory infection prevention education for daycare centers and schools. A total of 60,000 masks were urgently distributed to 733 infection-prone facilities, including nursing homes for the elderly. The province also plans to intensively conduct vaccination and mask-wearing campaigns in each city and county until the end of next month.
Jeonnam Province emphasized that, as there is a high possibility of a prolonged flu epidemic this year, high-risk groups such as children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and those aged 65 and older "should complete vaccination as soon as possible." The province also recommended that those who develop symptoms visit a hospital for early treatment.
Recommended preventive measures for daily life include: ▲washing hands before and after going out ▲practicing proper cough etiquette ▲wearing a mask ▲not touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands ▲ventilating indoor spaces.
Jeong Gwangseon, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, stated, "To prevent flu and other respiratory infections, it is essential to follow preventive guidelines and wear a mask," and added, "Parents of children aged 13 and under who have not yet been vaccinated should ensure their children receive the vaccination as soon as possible."
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