Flu Cases Exceed Last Season's Benchmark Amid Rapid Spread

South Korea is experiencing a surge in influenza cases, with the number of suspected infections exceeding the threshold set for the previous season. The latest surveillance data reveals a rate of 9.2 patients per 1,000 outpatients for influenza-like illnesses in the 34th week of the year, surpassing the 2025-2026 epidemic benchmark of 9.1.

This increase follows a consistent upward trend observed over the past four weeks, with the rate rising from 6.9 in week 31 to 7.5 in week 33 before reaching the current figure. Concurrently, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have also seen a rise during the same period, indicating a broader increase in respiratory infections. The detection rate for influenza among suspected cases stands at 10%, while for COVID-19 it is 11.3%, with both showing a four-week increasing trend.

In response to the growing concern, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is preparing to roll out its national influenza vaccination program. Scheduled to commence on September 21, the program will target high-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. A notable expansion this year includes 14-year-olds, allowing those born in 2012 to receive free vaccinations.

While influenza and COVID-19 cases are on the rise, projections for the summer COVID-19 outbreak suggest it may be less severe than the previous year, with an estimated 11% to 48% lower incidence. However, the hot and humid weather has also contributed to an increase in intestinal infectious diseases, with reported cases rising to 820 from 728 in the preceding week. Conversely, the incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease among young children has seen a slight decrease.