The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) stated today (the 15th) that both the influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks are in their epidemic periods and the influenza situation continues to rise. The public should strengthen prevention of influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases, practice frequent hand washing, cough etiquette, and it is recommended to voluntarily wear masks when entering crowded or poorly ventilated places. If symptoms appear, one should wear a mask, seek medical care, and rest at home to reduce transmission risk.
The CDC pointed out that the domestic influenza epidemic is rising and in its epidemic period. In week 36 (9/6‑9/12), influenza‑related outpatient and emergency visits totaled 136,796, an increase of 16.5% from the previous week. In the previous week (9/8‑9/14), there were 92 new severe influenza cases (79 H1N1, 5 H3N2, 8 untyped A) and 21 deaths (18 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 82.2%. In the current (weeks 114‑115) flu season, there have been a cumulative 1,421 severe cases (800 H1N1, 503 H3N2, 28 untyped A, 90 type B) and 274 deaths (149 H1N1, 104 H3N2, 9 untyped A, 12 type B). Among the severe cases, the majority are persons aged 65 and over (65.0%) and those with chronic disease histories (82.7%); 68.3% had not received the seasonal flu vaccine.
According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic COVID‑19 situation has declined but remains in its epidemic period. In week 36 (9/6‑9/12), COVID‑19 outpatient and emergency visits totaled 17,847, a decrease of 13.3% from the previous week (8/30‑9/5). In the previous week (9/8‑9/14), there were 53 new local severe cases and 18 local deaths. Since October 2025, there have been a cumulative 675 local severe COVID‑19 cases, including 124 deaths. Severe cases are predominantly persons aged 65 and over (73.3%) and those with chronic disease histories (82.8%); 83.6% had not received the seasonal COVID‑19 vaccine. In the past four weeks, the dominant local variant strains have been NB.1.8.1 and PQ.16.1.1.
The CDC reminds that as autumn approaches and temperatures gradually cool, the public should pay attention to their own condition, especially if they or their relatives are seniors aged 65 and over, infants, high‑risk chronic patients, or pregnant women—groups at high risk for influenza. They should closely monitor health, and if they develop fever, cough or other flu‑like symptoms, they should wear a mask, seek medical care early, and rest at home. If dangerous signs appear (such as rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, bloody sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, low blood pressure, etc.), they should seek medical attention promptly, and a physician should assess whether they meet the criteria for publicly funded flu antiviral medication, to seize the treatment window and reduce the risk of severe complications.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Sensory Management Office
