“Already?” Early Flu Surge Raises Fears of Complications

“Already?” Influenza is spreading earlier than usual in South Korea, raising concern about complications before the winter season has properly begun.

The increase has been especially noticeable among infants, young children and primary school pupils following the start of the school term. Schools and childcare centers face a growing risk of community transmission as suspected cases rise.

Data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, released on the 9th, showed 13.3 influenza-like illness patients for every 1,000 outpatients at clinics during the 35th week of the year. The figure has climbed for four straight weeks, from 7.0 in week 32 to 7.5 in week 33, 9.2 in week 34 and 13.3 in week 35.

Influenza typically becomes widespread in autumn and winter as temperatures fall. This year, however, suspected cases, hospital admissions and the virus detection rate have all risen earlier than in previous years. Experts say most people recover within several days, but infants and young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions can develop complications such as pneumonia. They say vaccination and other preventive measures are important before a full-scale outbreak takes hold.