The CDC (Center for Disease Control) announced today (the 18th) that, according to epidemic monitoring data, in week 32 (8/9-8/15) influenza-like illness outpatient and emergency visits totaled 95,011, a slight increase of 1.2% from the previous week, showing a gradual upward trend recently. Therefore, from today, August 24, 2026, until September 30, the eligibility for publicly funded influenza antiviral medication (hereafter “public medication”) will be expanded to “individuals with influenza-like symptoms who belong to the following high‑transmission groups” (see attachment):
1. Infection control personnel of medical institutions (including registered medical professionals and non‑medical staff of healthcare facilities)
2. Residents and staff of nursing homes, long‑term care (services) facilities, etc.
3. Nursery and daycare staff, professional personnel of daycare institutions, and home caregivers (nannies)
4. Students in grades 1 to 3 of kindergartens, elementary schools, junior high schools, senior high schools, vocational high schools, and five‑year junior colleges
5. Persons living with, or caring for, high‑risk groups for severe influenza
6. Workers in poultry and livestock farming and related industries, zoo staff, and animal disease control personnel
7. Personnel in other densely populated institutions (e.g., military camps) where clusters are likely to occur
The CDC reports that last week (8/11‑8/17) there were 80 new influenza‑associated severe cases (72 H1N1, 3 H3N2, 4 untyped A, 1 B) and 17 deaths (12 H1N1, 4 untyped A, 1 B). Laboratory surveillance shows that the influenza viruses circulating in the community are dominated by type A, accounting for 89.0%. In the current (weeks 114‑115) influenza season, a total of 1,075 severe cases (474 H1N1, 484 H3N2, 27 untyped A, 90 B) and 205 deaths (83 H1N1, 101 H3N2, 9 untyped A, 12 B) have been recorded, with severe cases mainly among persons aged 65 and older (63%) and those with chronic conditions (82%); 72% had not received this season’s influenza vaccine. Globally, the recent influenza positivity rate has risen slightly; neighboring regions including China, Hong Kong, and Singapore are in a fluctuating stage; the United States and Canada have recently been at a low point; Europe is rising from its low point, with the main circulating strains worldwide being both type A and B.
The CDC notes that currently the public medication is allocated to about 4,000 contracted medical institutions nationwide, as planned by the health bureaus of each county and city (see the CDC’s global websitehttps://www.cdc.gov.tw or consult the CDC’s “Influenza and COVID‑19 Vaccine and Medication Map” websitehttps://vaxmap.cdc.gov.tw/), the allocated medications include Tamiflu and Xofluza. If dangerous signs appear (such as rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, bloody sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, low blood pressure, etc.), seek medical care promptly. Physicians should, based on the patient’s complaints and clinical judgment, assess whether the public medication criteria are met; if so, a rapid influenza test is not required before prescribing the public medication to seize the treatment window. Since influenza antiviral drugs are not covered by national health insurance, the timing and necessity of publicly funded treatment remain at the physician’s discretion based on the patient’s condition and clinical expertise.
The CDC reminds that frequent summer travel increases the risk of virus transmission; the public should continue to strengthen prevention of influenza and other respiratory infections by practicing regular hand washing, cough etiquette, and voluntarily wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places. As schools will reopen in September, schools are urged to reinforce education on self‑protection measures, maintain environmental cleanliness and classroom ventilation, and stay home if feeling unwell, to reduce the risk of influenza spreading on campus.
Source: CDC
Data compiled by: Sensory Management Office
