Gwangju City is intensifying efforts to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including influenza, ahead of the Chuseok holiday.
According to the city on September 18, a three-week 'Visiting Culture Improvement Promotion Week' will run until October 2, featuring on-site campaigns in collaboration with 22 cities and counties.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of respiratory infection prevention measures as family and friend gatherings are expected to increase around Chuseok, thereby reducing the risk of infection in medical facilities.
The city will also check the management systems for hospital visiting areas, including the availability of disinfectants and visitor logs.
During a campaign held on September 17 at Mokpo's Dongbu Market, promotional materials were distributed to merchants and market visitors, highlighting proper handwashing, cough etiquette, mask-wearing when experiencing respiratory symptoms, regular indoor ventilation, and the importance of influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Three key principles for improving visiting culture were presented: 'Confirming time and place,' 'Limiting visits,' and 'Following prevention guidelines.'
Given that hospitals often house vulnerable patients, including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised individuals, the public is encouraged to use phone or video calls to check on loved ones instead of visiting in person if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued an influenza advisory effective from midnight on September 11, marking an earlier-than-usual onset of the flu season, particularly among school-aged children and infants.
As a result, the national influenza vaccination schedule for the 2026-2027 season has been moved up. Vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 14 years and pregnant women will begin on September 21. For those aged 65 and older, vaccinations will start on October 6 for those 75 and older, October 12 for those aged 70-74, and October 15 for those aged 65-69.
Notably, the eligibility for the national influenza vaccination program for children has been expanded from ages 6 months to 13 years to include those up to 14 years old.
Jeong Kwang-seon, head of the Health and Welfare Bureau of Gwangju City, stated, "To prevent respiratory infections, it is crucial to incorporate basic practices such as vaccination, handwashing, cough etiquette, and ventilation into daily life. A small act of consideration, like postponing visits when feeling unwell or exhibiting respiratory symptoms, can significantly protect the health of patients."
Additionally, the national COVID-19 vaccination schedule for those aged 65 and older will align with the influenza vaccination timeline, starting on October 6 for those 75 and older, October 12 for those aged 70-74, and October 15 for those aged 65-69. Health authorities are advising that individuals aged 65 and older can receive both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines during a single visit to a medical facility.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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