Influenza Cases Hit Record High - KDCA: "Peak Expected to Pass in 1-2 Weeks"

Domestic influenza patients have reached record highs since the current surveillance system was established, putting health authorities on high alert. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on August 10, the number of influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 outpatients in the first week of 2025 (December 29 - January 4) was recorded at 99.8, the highest figure since the current surveillance system was established in 2016.

This figure represents the ninth consecutive week of increases, with the KDCA projecting that "based on past epidemic patterns, the peak is expected to pass in 1-2 weeks." The highest incidence rate was seen in the 13-18 age group at 177.4 per 1,000 people, followed by ages 7-12 (161.6) and 19-49 (129.1).

The KDCA held the 3rd Respiratory Infectious Disease Joint Response Team meeting on the 9th to share the situation and review response measures. With patients increasing across all age groups, medical facilities are experiencing increased burden due to surging patient volumes.

COVID-19 Shows Re-spreading Trend - 62.9% of Hospitalized Patients Over 65

Along with influenza, COVID-19 is also showing signs of re-emergence. COVID-19 hospitalizations have been decreasing since the peak in August last year (1,441 patients) but have turned to an increasing trend again over the past three weeks. Currently, 224 patients (62.9%) out of hospitalized patients are over 65 years old, requiring special attention from elderly populations.

The KDCA analyzed that "considering this trend, COVID-19 patients are projected to continue increasing throughout January, extending the winter epidemic." Concerns about infection spread are growing, particularly with the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday when family gatherings increase.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infection also requires attention. It has shown 10 consecutive weeks of increase since the 43rd week of last year, with 77.4% (1,663 people) of the recent four weeks' 2,148 hospitalized patients being infants and young children (ages 0-6). This necessitates special caution in households with infants and young children.

Medical Staff Burnout Serious - Government Response Measures Urgently Needed

The simultaneous outbreak of multiple respiratory infectious diseases is increasing the burden on medical facilities. Particularly in pediatrics and emergency rooms, medical staff burnout has become serious due to patient surges. A medical staff member from a major hospital emergency room lamented, "The treatment burden has greatly increased as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV patients flood in simultaneously."

The medical community is demanding the government establish sufficient medical staff and support measures. The Korean Medical Association emphasized that "medical staff support measures in preparation for the winter surge in respiratory disease patients are urgent," and "the shortage of personnel in pediatrics and emergency medicine must be resolved first."

The government stated it is strengthening bed availability monitoring to ease the burden on medical staff and is taking measures to ensure appropriate patient distribution across medical institutions.

The KDCA urged that "National Immunization Program recipients can receive free influenza vaccinations at designated medical institutions," and "especially for school-age children, it's important to get preventive vaccinations even now to prepare for the spring influenza secondary outbreak."

Meanwhile, pertussis patients were recorded at 851 in the first week of 2025, showing four consecutive weeks of decline after reaching peaks twice last year. However, they remain at high levels, requiring continuous monitoring.

Health authorities emphasized "the risk of respiratory infectious disease transmission may increase during Lunar New Year holiday family gatherings" and stressed "adherence to personal hygiene guidelines and immediate visits to medical institutions when symptoms occur." They particularly urged special caution for high-risk groups including infants and elderly people over 65.

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Original Article (Korean): Read in Korean