The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter CDC) stated today (the 11th) that monitoring data show that the domestic influenza epidemic has been gradually warming up since early July, and in the past four weeks the number of emergency and outpatient visits and the percentage of cases have continued to rise, with the highest outpatient visit rates among young children and seniors over 65. Regarding cluster outbreaks, the number of reported clusters of upper respiratory infections has increased simultaneously, with influenza‑positive clusters mainly of type A, primarily concentrated in densely populated institutions. Recent community virus surveillance shows that type A H1N1 is the most common (accounting for 57%). Additionally, influenza‑related severe and fatal cases have also been on the rise recently, mostly among those over 65, with chronic disease histories and who have not received this season’s flu vaccine.
The CDC pointed out that in week 31 (August 2–8), influenza‑like emergency and outpatient visits totaled 92,075, a slight increase of 2.4% from the previous week, showing a gradual upward trend recently; last week (August 4–10) saw 70 new severe influenza cases (64 H1N1, 2 H3N2, 4 untyped A) and 12 deaths (8 H1N1, 1 H3N2, 2 untyped A, 1 B). Laboratory surveillance data indicate that currently the influenza viruses circulating in the community are predominantly type A, accounting for 83.7%. In the current (114–115) flu season, there have been a cumulative 995 severe cases (401 H1N1, 481 H3N2, 24 untyped A, 89 B) and 188 deaths (71 H1N1, 101 H3N2, 5 untyped A, 11 B), with severe cases mainly among seniors over 65 (63%) and those with chronic disease histories (82%); 73% were unvaccinated for this season’s flu vaccine.https://www.cdc.gov.tw or via the CDC “Influenza and COVID‑19 Vaccine and Antiviral Map” website https://vaxmap.cdc.gov.tw/, the allocated medications include Tamiflu, Xofluza, 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, should assess whether the public‑funded medication criteria are met; if deemed eligible, the antiviral can be prescribed without a rapid flu test to ensure timely treatment. 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 urges the public to strengthen personal preventive measures, practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and to protect one’s own and others’ health. If fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, or other respiratory symptoms occur, stay at home as much as possible, avoid unnecessary outings, and wear a mask when going out. Additionally, when entering medical care facilities, or in crowded places where proper distancing or ventilation cannot be maintained, or when in close contact with seniors or immunocompromised individuals, it is also recommended to wear a mask voluntarily.
The CDC again reminds the public not to underestimate the seriousness of influenza and to consistently wash hands and observe cough etiquette as personal hygiene measures; wear a mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms; cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief, or the sleeve, when sneezing; and keep at least one meter distance when talking to others. If one has influenza‑like symptoms, seek nearby medical care and get ample rest, returning to school only after recovery to prevent virus transmission among peers. Information on public‑funded medication criteria, the list of contracted medical institutions, and influenza prevention and control can be found on the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw), or call the toll‑free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922) for inquiries.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Sensory Management Office
