Flu (influenza) and COVID-19 are surging simultaneously, causing alarm in hospitals and pharmacies. Typically, respiratory infections peak in November and December, but this year, the outbreak began earlier in September, challenging the notion that flu is a winter illness.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on September 14, the rate of influenza-like illness (ILI) among outpatients in the week of August 30 to September 5 was 25.3 per 1,000 patients. This is double the seasonal outbreak threshold of 12.9 and nearly four times higher than the same period last year, which recorded 6.6.
COVID-19 cases are also rising sharply, raising concerns about a 'twindemic' of both infections. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 increased from 57 in week 33 to 193 in week 36, a rise of approximately 3.4 times.
In response, the government has sent notices to hospitals and pharmacies to ensure stocks of COVID-19 treatments like Paxlovid and Veklury are available in preparation for a potential resurgence.
Pediatric clinics are seeing an increase in young patients with colds, leading to a rapid depletion of stocks of oseltamivir suspension, commonly used for treating flu in children. While there is no supply disruption, pharmacies report a sudden spike in orders this week, with incoming stock quickly being sold out.
A pediatric clinic in Songpa, Seoul, noted, "Especially for children who have difficulty swallowing capsules, the suspension powder is running out quickly, prompting efforts to stock up. There are also reports that the overall supply is low this year due to a mild flu season last year."
The spread of flu is accelerating, particularly among school-aged children and younger age groups. According to the KDCA, in week 36, the rate of influenza-like illness among children aged 7 to 12 was the highest at 75.1 per 1,000 outpatients, followed by 49.8 for ages 1 to 6 and 31.3 for ages 13 to 18.
Pharmacies are also experiencing a noticeable increase in sales of COVID-19 treatments, fever reducers, and cold medications. A pharmacist at a pharmacy in Gangnam, Seoul, stated, "With the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, we have stocked up on Paxlovid, and other pharmacies are in a similar situation. Additionally, sales of fever reducers and cold medications have been steadily increasing since late August."
Particularly, stocks of flu treatments are being depleted rapidly. An industry source noted, "With the rise of type A influenza, orders for flu treatments have surged since the end of August."
However, some experts point out that the timing of vaccinations and the spread of the outbreak are misaligned. The KDCA plans to begin the national influenza vaccination campaign on September 21, but with the Chuseok holiday approaching, it may be challenging for hospitals to respond proactively through vaccinations.
The KDCA is considering adjusting the vaccination schedule for high-risk groups, including immunocompromised individuals. A KDCA official stated, "We will decide next week based on the vaccine supply schedule and expert consultations."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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