The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as the CDC) said today (1) that as schools at all levels gradually resume classes, frequent interactions between teachers and students may increase the risk of transmission of respiratory diseases such as influenza and COVID-19 in campuses and households. They urge schools and parents to strengthen education on students' hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, as well as pay attention to environmental cleanliness and keep classrooms ventilated. If fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat or other respiratory symptoms appear, it is recommended to wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and rest at home as much as possible.
The CDC noted that in week 34 (8/23-8/29), influenza-related outpatient and emergency visits totaled 101,628, an increase of 5.6% from the previous week, showing a slight upward trend recently; last week (8/25-8/31) there were 85 new severe influenza cases (80 H1N1, 3 H3N2, 2 untyped A) and 14 deaths (12 H1N1, 1 H3N2, 1 untyped A). Laboratory surveillance data show that the influenza viruses circulating in the community are mainly type A, with A/H1N1 accounting for 74.1%. In the current (weeks 114-115) influenza season, there have been a cumulative 1,224 severe cases (620 H1N1, 494 H3N2, 20 untyped A, 90 type B) and 234 deaths (113 H1N1, 102 H3N2, 7 untyped A, 12 type B). Among the severe cases, the majority are seniors aged 65 and over (64.6%) and those with chronic disease histories (82.8%); 69.4% had not received the season’s influenza vaccine.
According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic COVID-19 situation has declined but remains in a plateau phase. In week 34 (8/23-8/29), COVID-19 outpatient and emergency visits totaled 21,969, a 13.4% decrease from the previous week (8/16-8/22); last week (8/25-8/31) there were 69 new domestic severe cases and 18 domestic deaths. Since October 2025, there have been a cumulative 549 domestic severe COVID-19 cases, including 91 deaths. Severe cases are mainly seniors aged 65 and over (72.5%) and those with chronic disease histories (83.1%); 85.1% had not received the season’s COVID-19 vaccine. In the past four weeks, the dominant variant among domestic cases has been PQ.16.1.1.
The CDC noted that as of today (August 30, 2026), about 1.832 million doses of the season’s COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, and about 110,000 doses remain nationwide. Due to the post‑thaw shelf‑life, the season’s COVID-19 vaccine will be available for vaccination until September 9 of this year. The public with vaccination needs, especially seniors and those with risk factors for severe disease, are reminded to seize the opportunity to get vaccinated promptly to boost immune protection and reduce the risk of severe complications or death after infection.
The CDC again reminds that if the public experiences COVID-19–related symptoms such as sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches, they can first use a home rapid test for self‑screening and seek medical care promptly, or go directly to a clinic. If dangerous signs appear, such as difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, cyanosis (lack of oxygen), blood‑tinged or thickened sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, low blood pressure, or a high fever lasting 72 hours, they should seek medical attention promptly to receive timely treatment.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled by: Infection Control Office
