As the Chuseok holiday approaches, both influenza and COVID-19 are spreading simultaneously. Influenza cases have surged about five weeks earlier than usual, exceeding the epidemic threshold with patient numbers more than double the expected rate. COVID-19 hospitalizations have also increased for eight consecutive weeks, raising concerns that infections could rise during the holiday period, which typically sees increased travel and family gatherings.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the rate of influenza-like illness among outpatient medical institutions for the 37th week of the year (September 6-12) was reported at 31.0 per 1,000 patients, up from 25.3 the previous week and significantly higher than the epidemic threshold of 12.9. This figure is approximately 4.6 times higher than the same period last year, which recorded 6.7 cases.
By age group, children aged 7 to 12 had the highest rate at 79.6 per 1,000 patients, followed by those aged 1 to 6 at 55.2. This rapid spread among children in group settings such as schools and daycare centers is concerning.
COVID-19 cases are also on the rise, with 287 hospitalizations reported in the same week, marking an increase for the eighth consecutive week. However, this number is lower than the 459 hospitalizations reported during the same period last year. The simultaneous spread of influenza and COVID-19 raises the possibility of a 'twindemic,' prompting health authorities to take urgent measures ahead of the holiday.
Influenza can lead to serious complications beyond simple respiratory infections. The most common complications include pneumonia, acute otitis media, and sinusitis. Rarely, it can also cause cardiovascular issues such as myocarditis and pericarditis, as well as neurological complications like encephalitis and rhabdomyolysis.
High-risk groups, including children, seniors over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are at greater risk of severe illness following infection. For those with chronic lung diseases, influenza can exacerbate existing conditions.
The KDCA is urging high-risk groups, including infants, school-aged children, and the elderly, to prioritize vaccination. While the flu vaccine does not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
According to KDCA data, vaccination can lower the risk of hospitalization by about 50-60% and the risk of death by approximately 80% for those aged 65 and older. Since the flu vaccine is updated annually to match circulating viruses, individuals who were vaccinated last year should receive the vaccine again this year.
After vaccination, some may experience localized reactions such as swelling or tenderness at the injection site, but these typically resolve within one to two days. If fever or respiratory symptoms develop, individuals are advised to postpone family gatherings or long-distance travel and seek medical attention.
The KDCA recommends thorough handwashing with soap for at least 30 seconds after returning home and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing. Those with respiratory symptoms should wear masks and exercise caution in crowded indoor settings to prevent infection.
To ensure medical services are available during the holiday, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that the emergency medical system will remain operational 24 hours a day from September 24 to 27. A total of 416 emergency medical institutions will provide round-the-clock services.
Additionally, 3,495 hospitals, clinics, and public health centers, along with 4,383 pharmacies, will be open, averaging 8,294 medical facilities and pharmacies available each day. Information on which hospitals and pharmacies are open can be found on the 'Emergency Smart' app, the 'Emergency Medical Information' app, the Central Emergency Medical Center's E-Gen website, and local government websites. The Health Ministry's call center at 129 and local call centers at 120 are also available for inquiries.
The 'Emergency Smart' app can help users determine if they need to visit an emergency room based on their symptoms. For milder symptoms, it will guide users to nearby hospitals or pharmacies, while recommending emergency room visits for more severe cases.
However, as operating hours may vary by facility, it is advisable to confirm availability by phone before visiting. In cases of severe emergency symptoms such as difficulty breathing, sudden numbness or paralysis in limbs, decreased consciousness, or slurred speech, individuals should call 119 immediately.
The KDCA emphasized that the Chuseok holiday is a time of increased travel and family contact, which heightens the risk of infectious disease spread, urging the public to adhere to infection prevention guidelines. A 24-hour consultation center for infectious diseases will also be available at 1399 during the holiday.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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