As autumn chills set in earlier than usual, interest in health management is rising due to an early flu season. This is particularly evident among children and adolescents, where flu-like cases are increasing rapidly, leading to heightened demand for vaccinations, personal hygiene, and immune-boosting supplements.
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 about 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 rate of flu-like cases is among those aged 7 to 12, with 75.1 cases per 1,000, followed by those aged 1 to 6 at 49.8 cases. Adolescents aged 13 to 18 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 regular 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 ongoing into 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 have 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 studies, normal mice with ZBP1 showed reduced lung tissue damage and inflammation.
Additionally, researchers at the University of Georgia have studied the effects of combining red ginseng intake with influenza vaccination through animal experiments. In studies involving mice infected with the H1N1 virus, the group receiving both the vaccine and red ginseng showed higher survival rates than the group receiving the vaccine alone.
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 vaccinations.
A representative from the health supplement industry stated, "This year, the flu season has started 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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