As autumn temperatures drop, an early flu outbreak is raising health concerns, particularly among children and adolescents. The number of suspected flu cases is rapidly increasing, leading to heightened demand for vaccinations, personal hygiene, and health supplements aimed at boosting immunity.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, from August 30 to September 5, there were 25.3 flu-like cases per 1,000 outpatients, nearly double the epidemic threshold of 12.9 for this season. This figure is approximately four times higher than the 6.6 cases reported during the same period last year.
The spread is particularly pronounced among children and adolescents in group settings. The highest incidence of flu-like symptoms is seen in the 7-12 age group, with 75.1 cases per 1,000, followed by 49.8 cases in the 1-6 age group. The 13-18 age group also reported 31.3 cases, raising concerns for students preparing for the college entrance exam in about 50 days.
Experts advise that to prevent infections, individuals should prioritize flu vaccinations and personal hygiene, along with maintaining adequate sleep and a balanced diet. They also emphasize the importance of managing immunity during this season of significant temperature fluctuations.
In this context, interest in health supplements containing red ginseng, recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for their immune-boosting, fatigue-reducing, and antioxidant properties, is on the rise.
Consequently, the health supplement industry is focusing on products that enhance immunity. Red ginseng, one of the key ingredients, has been acknowledged by the Ministry for its potential benefits in improving immunity, reducing fatigue, enhancing blood circulation, boosting memory, and providing antioxidant effects.
Research is also being conducted on the relationship between red ginseng and respiratory infections. A study by researchers at Sungkyunkwan University’s College of Pharmacy found that administering red ginseng alongside a pneumococcal vaccine in animal experiments resulted in increased antibody production compared to the vaccine alone. The red ginseng group also showed reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines and pneumococci.
Researchers at UNIST examined the antiviral effects of red ginseng and its connection to the ZBP1 pathway through cell and animal experiments. In cells infected with the influenza A virus, treatment with red ginseng resulted in decreased viral protein expression, and in animal tests, normal mice with ZBP1 showed reduced lung tissue damage and inflammation.
Additionally, a study by researchers at the University of Georgia explored the effects of combining red ginseng with the influenza vaccine in animal experiments. Mice infected with the novel flu virus showed higher survival rates in the group receiving both the vaccine and red ginseng compared to the group receiving only the vaccine.
However, experts agree that these findings are based on individual cell and animal studies, and red ginseng should not be seen as a substitute for the flu vaccine. It is advisable to use red ginseng as a supplementary health management tool while adhering to standard practices such as proper handwashing and vaccination.
A representative from the health supplement industry noted, "This year, the flu outbreak has come earlier than usual, and with significant temperature fluctuations, there is an increasing demand among families with students and young children to manage both immunity and physical strength. We expect consumers to continue seeking products that support normal immune function alongside basic hygiene practices."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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