Amid an influenza pandemic for the first time in eight years, Namgung In, a professor of emergency medicine at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, noted, "It feels like we are seeing the last period when the entire population could not avoid being infected with COVID-19."
On the 7th, Professor Namgung said via Facebook, "Influenza is pandemic. People of all ages are catching the flu. Typically, there are high fevers and severe body aches, while symptoms like sore throat or respiratory issues are less severe. Flu generally spreads in winter when indoor activities are frequent and ventilation is poor, but due to the pandemic, viruses that had been dormant are now spreading all at once."
He added, "Healthy people as well as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and cancer patients are all equally catching the flu. Influenza A, which spread in 2009, variants of Influenza A, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus are detected almost equally. Sometimes, there is also COVID-19."
"Patients are reporting intense symptoms. Half of emergency room patients or phone inquiries are related to the flu," he said, "Many do not exhibit typical symptoms. For example, 'Mother can't eat,' 'Father can't walk,' 'Grandmother had a stroke but has weakened strength on the left side,' etc." He continued, "Upon examination, it was all flu. 'My friend fainted,' 'It seems like a urinary tract infection has recurred,' 'I am vomiting and have no energy,' were also flu cases."
Professor Namgung emphasized, "Cases are increasing where patients come in during the night claiming their fever doesn't subside. Compared to previous COVID-19 cases, the occurrence of pneumonia or the need for hospitalization is relatively rare, but all respiratory viruses have the potential to worsen acutely. A typically healthy person in their 30s is receiving ventilator treatment in the intensive care unit. Of course, there are also a significant number of hospitalizations among the elderly."
"If there is hope, it is that this flu is similar to those that have spread before. It may last for a few more weeks, but it will improve over time," he said. "So right now, even if the flu is spreading, there is no need to stop what you are doing. Just act sensibly."
He advised, "For flu prevention and recovery methods, ensure to manage your condition well, maintain hygiene as usual, drink warm water, get vaccinated, visit the hospital if symptoms arise, take medication and rest until you improve, and if surrounding elderly individuals are in crisis, seek help from medical personnel."
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of suspected influenza patients during the period of the 22nd to 28th of last month was 73.9 per 1,000 outpatients. This is approximately 2.4 times higher than the previous week's 31.3. This marks the highest nationwide incidence of influenza in eight years since 86.2 in 2016. The agency forecasts that this influenza outbreak will continue until spring and emphasizes that children, pregnant women, and individuals over 65 should receive the influenza vaccine.