According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the number of suspected flu cases are now more than four times higher than during the same period last year.
It monitored about 800 clinics and medical institutions and found that patients with flu-like symptoms reached 31 cases per 1,000 outpatients last week.
The figure has risen steadily in recent weeks from 13.3 cases at the end of August to 25.3 in the first week of September, about 4.6 times higher than the 6.7 cases seen during the same period last year. It is also more than twice the 13.1 cases seen during the same period in 2023, when flu cases remained high for an extended period.
The surge was highest among children aged 7 to 12 at 79.6 cases per 1,000 people, followed by 55.2 among those aged 1 to 6 and 39.8 among teenagers aged 13 to 18.
With influenza cases spreading earlier than usual, the KDCA issued a flu advisory last Friday and is set to begin nationwide free flu shots for vulnerable groups next week, about a week earlier than last year.
For children aged 6 months to 14 years, vaccinations will begin on Sept. 21, while those aged 75 and above can get their flu shots from Oct. 12, followed by people aged 70 to 74 on Oct. 15 and those aged 65 to 69 on Oct. 19. More children will be eligible for free flu shots this year, as the age limit was extended from 13 to 14.
With the early flu season raising concerns about vaccine shortages, the KDCA said it would closely monitor supplies to ensure people can get their flu shots as scheduled.
Health officials also urged people to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and keep indoor spaces well ventilated.
AJP Takeaways
- South Korea is seeing an unusually early flu season, with suspected cases more than four times higher than during the same period last year.
- Children are the most affected group, with the highest rate among those aged 7 to 12, followed by children aged 1 to 6 and teenagers aged 13 to 18.
- The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has moved up free flu vaccinations, with shots for children starting Sept. 21 and vaccinations for older adults beginning in October.
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