Influenza is spreading faster than usual in South Korea just as families gather for the Chuseok holiday. Suspected flu cases have climbed to about four times the level of the same period last year, with infections concentrated among elementary school-age children.
Suspected Cases Four Times Last Year's Level, Spreading Among Children
Sample surveillance of influenza-like illness at clinic-level medical institutions found 32.3 suspected cases per 1,000 outpatients in the 38th week of this year, covering Sept. 13 to 19, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on the 24th. That is roughly four times the eight cases recorded in the same period last year.
The increase has been pronounced over the past month. Suspected cases rose from 13.3 in the 35th week to 25.3 in the 36th week, then to 31 in the 37th week and 32.3 in the 38th week — a roughly 2.4-fold increase in just three weeks.
Younger age groups accounted for the most cases. Children aged 7 to 12 recorded the highest rate at 77.7 per 1,000 outpatients, followed by ages 1 to 6 at 58. Those aged 13 to 18 came in at 41.1, and infants under 1 at 35.7.
Among respiratory patients who visited medical institutions, the influenza virus detection rate stood at 20.7%. That was down from 24.6% the previous week but 18.6 percentage points higher than the 2.1% recorded in the same period last year. The COVID-19 detection rate rose to 16.5% from 14.2% a week earlier.
Influenza also accounted for a large share of hospitalizations. A total of 1,445 patients were admitted to hospital-level institutions with acute respiratory infections. Of the 1,417 admitted with viral infections, influenza was the most common cause at 436 patients, or 30.8%, followed by COVID-19 at 327, or 23.1%.
Earlier Outbreak Prompts Earlier Shots; Agency Urges Masks and Handwashing
With the flu arriving earlier than in previous years, the government has moved up its vaccination schedule. The KDCA began state-funded vaccinations on the 21st for children aged 6 months to 14 years and for pregnant women. Children requiring a single dose had originally been scheduled to start on the 28th, but the timing was advanced in light of the current outbreak.
Older adults will also begin receiving shots three to six days earlier than initially planned. Those aged 75 and over can be vaccinated starting Oct. 6, those aged 70 to 74 from Oct. 12, and those aged 65 to 69 from Oct. 15. High-risk groups, including immunocompromised people, may be vaccinated from Oct. 6 after consulting a physician, regardless of the age-based schedule. Nursing hospitals and long-term care facilities will begin vaccinations as soon as vaccines are delivered.
Those eligible for state-funded vaccination may receive shots at any designated medical institution or public health center, regardless of their registered address. The KDCA urged the public to wear masks in crowded places and to wash their hands after going out and before and after meals during the Chuseok holiday, when travel to hometowns and family gatherings peak. Anyone developing symptoms such as fever should seek early diagnosis and treatment at a medical institution.
Falling Ill During the Holiday? 8,300 Hospitals and Pharmacies Open Daily
The emergency medical system will also be running so that people who fall suddenly ill with the flu or other conditions can be treated during the holiday. A total of 416 emergency medical institutions nationwide, including regional and local emergency medical centers, will operate 24 hours a day from the 24th to the 27th, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said.
An average of 3,495 hospitals, clinics and public health centers and 4,383 pharmacies will be open each day. Including emergency medical institutions, an average of 8,294 medical facilities and pharmacies will be available daily.
For mild symptoms, patients should first visit a nearby hospital or clinic. Anyone with signs of a serious condition — such as difficulty breathing, sudden numbness in the limbs, or difficulty speaking because of tongue paralysis — should call 119 immediately.
Medical institutions and pharmacies open during the holiday can be found through the Eunggeup Ddokddok ("Emergency Smart") and Emergency Medical Information Provision apps, which show nearby hospitals and pharmacies that are open, and on the National Emergency Medical Center's E-Gen website. Information is also available through the Ministry of Health and Welfare call center at 129 or provincial call centers at 120. Because operating hours may change during the holiday, patients should call ahead to confirm whether a facility is open and its hours.
