The CDC today (the 18th) stated that according to influenza surveillance data, the recent influenza epidemic has entered the epidemic period and continues to rise. Therefore, the CDC has extended the applicability period of the expanded public‑funded influenza antiviral medication usage criteria “having influenza‑like symptoms and belonging to the following high‑transmission groups” until October 31 of this year (see attachment), to protect public health.
1. Epidemic prevention personnel of medical units (including registered medical professionals and non‑medical staff of medical institutions).
2. Residents and staff of nursing homes, long‑term care (services) institutions, etc.
3. Nursery and daycare staff, professional staff of daycare institutions, and home daycare providers (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. Those 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 epidemic prevention personnel.
7. Personnel in other densely populated institutions (such as military camps) where clusters are likely to occur.
Currently, the public‑funded medication is allocated to approximately 4,000 contracted medical institutions nationwide planned by the health bureaus of each county and city (see the CDC’s global information websitehttps://www.cdc.gov.tw or check the CDC’s “Influenza, COVID‑19, and Pneumonia Vaccine and Influenza Medication Map” website at https://vaxmap.cdc.gov.tw/, the allocated medications include Tamiflu and Relenza. If there are danger signs (such as rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, bloody sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, low blood pressure, etc.), seek medical attention promptly, and the physician, based on the chief complaint and clinical judgment, will assess whether the public‑funded medication criteria are met. If deemed eligible, the medication can be prescribed without an influenza rapid test to seize the treatment window. Since influenza antiviral medications are not covered by national health insurance, the timing and necessity of public‑funded treatment are still determined by the physician according to the patient’s condition and clinical expertise.
The CDC reminds the public once again not to underestimate the seriousness of influenza, to practice frequent hand washing and observe cough etiquette and other personal hygiene protection measures, wear a mask when having respiratory symptoms; cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when sneezing, or use the sleeve; keep at least 1 meter distance when talking with others. If the public has influenza‑like symptoms, they should seek nearby medical care and rest fully, and return to school after recovery to prevent virus transmission among peers and an outbreak. For information on public‑funded medication criteria, the list of contracted medical institutions, and influenza prevention and control, you can visit the CDC’s global information website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw), or call the toll‑free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922) for inquiries.
Data source: CDC
Data compiled: Sensory Management Office
