The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as the CDC) stated on September 22, 2026 that domestic influenza and COVID‑19 and other respiratory diseases are all in their epidemic periods, especially as the Mid‑Autumn holiday approaches, people travel and gather frequently, which can increase the risk of disease transmission. The public is urged to practice respiratory etiquette and personal hygiene, and if dangerous signs such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or altered consciousness appear, they should seek medical care promptly.
The CDC pointed out that the domestic influenza situation has slightly increased and remains in the epidemic period. In week 37 (9/13‑9/19), influenza‑related emergency and outpatient visits totaled 141,375, a 1.4% increase from the previous week. In the previous week (9/15‑9/21), there were 165 new severe influenza cases (151 H1N1, 6 H3N2, 8 untyped A) and 30 deaths (27 H1N1, 2 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 84.9%. In the current (114‑115) flu season, there have been a cumulative 1,586 severe cases (958 H1N1, 509 H3N2, 29 untyped A, 90 type B) and 304 deaths (176 H1N1, 106 H3N2, 10 untyped A, 12 type B). Severe cases are predominantly among persons aged 65 and older (65.8%) and those with chronic conditions (83.2%); 67.8% had not received the season’s flu vaccine.
According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic COVID‑19 situation has declined but remains in the epidemic period. In week 37 (9/13‑9/19), COVID‑19 emergency and outpatient visits totaled 14,462, a 20.6% decrease from the previous week (9/6‑9/12). In the previous week (9/15‑9/21), there were 48 new severe domestic cases and 9 domestic deaths. Since October 2025, there have been a cumulative 723 severe domestic COVID‑19 cases, including 133 deaths. Severe cases are mainly among persons aged 65 and older (73.3%) and those with chronic conditions (82.6%); 83.8% had not received the season’s COVID‑19 vaccine. In the past four weeks, the dominant domestic variant strains have been NB.1.8.1 and PQ.16.1.1.
The CDC reminds that temperatures have been trending cooler recently; the public should ensure proper respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, practice frequent hand washing, wear masks when having fever or flu‑like symptoms such as cough, and seek early medical care and rest at home when ill. In response to the ongoing flu epidemic, the CDC has extended the period for expanded use of publicly funded antiviral flu medication until October 31. If dangerous signs appear (such as rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, bloody sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, low blood pressure, etc.), one should seek medical care promptly, and a physician should assess whether the publicly funded antiviral medication (hereafter “public medication”) is appropriate, to seize the treatment window and reduce the risk of severe complications. This is especially important for oneself and close contacts who are aged 65 or older, infants and young children, high‑risk chronic patients, or pregnant women, who are high‑risk groups for flu, and should pay special attention to their health status.
Source: Taiwan CDC
Data compiled: Infection Control Office
