Influenza cases surge among youths
South Korea is experiencing its largest influenza outbreak since 2016, with cases rising sharply particularly among teenagers.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Friday, the influenza-like illness rate -- referring to the number of suspected flu cases per 1,000 outpatient visits at 300 monitored clinics nationwide -- reached 73.9 from Dec. 22 to 28 last year. This marks a staggering 136 percent increase from the previous week’s rate of 31.3.
The current rate is approaching the 2016 peak of 86.2 and is significantly higher than the 2023 peak of 61.3 and 2022’s 60.7. In comparison, during the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the ILI rates were 3.3 and 4.8, respectively.
While flu cases are rising across all age groups, adolescents aged 13-18 are the most affected, with an ILI rate of 151.3 per 1,000, 17.6 times higher than the 2024-25 seasonal flu epidemic threshold of 8.6 per 1,000.
Other age groups followed with rates of 137.3 for those aged 7 to 12, 93.6 for ages 19-49 and 58.4 for ages 1 to 6.
Among the identified strains, the most prevalent was A(H1N1)pdm09 at 34.6 percent, followed by A(H3N2) at 14.9 percent and type B at 1.4 percent.
The KDCA emphasized that the current flu vaccine is highly effective against circulating virus strains, as the viruses used in the vaccine production closely match those circulating. No mutations affecting antiviral resistance have been detected.
The KDCA urged high-risk groups to receive flu vaccinations immediately. Those eligible for free vaccination, including children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women and individuals aged 65 and older, can get immunized until April 30.
