Influenza and COVID-19 cases are rising sharply among children and young students as summer heat fades, according to data released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). During the final week of August 2026, outpatient clinics reported 13.3 suspected influenza cases per 1,000 patients, marking a more than 40 percent increase from the previous week’s rate of 9.2 per 1,000.
Influenza Surges Among Elementary School Students
School-aged children face the highest burden of influenza in the current wave, according to KDCA figures. Children aged 7 to 12 years old recorded 36.5 suspected cases per 1,000 patients during the last week of August, representing the highest incidence among all age groups. Young children aged 1 to 6 years old followed closely behind with 22.6 cases per 1,000.
Weekly influenza rates have accelerated steadily over the past month, moving from 7.0 to 7.5, then to 9.2, and reaching 13.3 per 1,000 patients by the end of August. The current incidence is more than double the rate recorded during the same period in 2025, when outpatient clinics reported 6.4 suspected cases per 1,000.
COVID-19 Hospitalizations and Virus Levels Rise
In addition to influenza, COVID-19 transmission is showing renewed upward momentum. KDCA data shows that COVID-19 hospital admissions reached 109 patients during the final week of August, representing a significant increase over the prior week. Wastewater surveillance data from public sanitation facilities confirms a parallel rise in viral concentrations.
KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan noted that both influenza-like illness rates and virus detection percentages are trending upward at levels higher than typical for this time of year. Health authorities advise individuals experiencing high fevers and other acute symptoms to seek medical evaluation promptly.
Upcoming Vaccination Campaign and Prevention Guidelines
To curb transmission ahead of the winter season, the KDCA plans to convene with relevant government ministries next week to review preparedness measures and early seasonal intervention strategies. Officials are monitoring whether the broader epidemic will peak earlier than in previous years.
Sequential national influenza vaccinations are scheduled to begin on September 21, 2026, prioritizing high-risk groups including young children, pregnant women, and adults aged 65 and older. In the interim, public health officials recommend regular handwashing, adherence to proper cough etiquette, and mask-wearing in crowded indoor environments. Schools and daycare centers have been asked to enforce infection control practices strictly to protect vulnerable children.
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