As the winter influenza (flu) spreads rapidly, the number of domestic flu patients has surged to its highest level since 2016.
On the 3rd, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted that "the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases surged last week, reaching the highest level since 2016" and urged all citizens to follow respiratory infection prevention guidelines, particularly the elderly aged over 65 and children, to get vaccinated against influenza as soon as possible.
Influenza-like illness refers to patients with a sudden fever of 38.0°C or higher, accompanied by cough or sore throat.
According to the influenza sample surveillance conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency at 300 medical institutions, the occurrence of influenza-like illness continues to increase, recording 73.9 cases per 1,000 outpatients in week 52 (Dec. 22-28). This marks a 136% increase compared to the previous week. The percentage of ILI cases over the past four weeks surged from 7.3 in week 49 to 13.6 in week 50, 31.3 in week 51, and 73.9 in week 52.
Recently, the increase has been observed across all age groups, particularly among adolescents aged 13-18, where the rate was highest at 151.3 cases. For ages 7-12, the rate was 137.3, followed by 93.6 for ages 19-49. The figures for ages 1-6 were 58.4, 50-64 years had 45.7, 0 years at 25.0, and those aged 65 and over at 20.3.
The surveillance of respiratory virus pathogens indicated that the detection rate for week 52 was 50.9%, an increase of 21.9% compared to the previous week, reaching its highest level this season. Among influenza virus types, the subtype A (H1N1)pdm09 was most prevalent at 34.6%, followed by H3N2 at 14.9% and type B at 1.4%.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued a flu outbreak advisory on the 20th of last month. When the advisory is issued, health insurance coverage applies when high-risk groups, such as children and pregnant women, receive prescriptions for two antiviral medications: oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in oral formulation and zanamivir in inhalation formulation (Relenza).
The national influenza vaccination during the winter season is being carried out for children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and the elderly over 65, who are at high risk of severe illness from influenza infection. The program period runs until April 30 of this year.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency plans to actively encourage vaccinations in collaboration with pertinent departments, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Director Ji Yeong-mi emphasized, "The rapidly spreading influenza is expected to continue into spring," adding, "Do not think it is too late; you must get vaccinated against influenza now." She also urged adherence to basic respiratory infection prevention guidelines, such as washing hands before and after going out, practicing coughing etiquette, wearing masks when respiratory symptoms occur, and ventilating indoor spaces for at least 10 minutes every two hours.