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As Chuseok holiday approaches, health authorities are urging high-risk groups to exercise caution amid a simultaneous surge of influenza and COVID-19.
Current Influenza and COVID-19 Trends
Influenza activity began earlier than usual this year, striking in late August, according to surveillance data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). During the first week of September (August 30 to September 5), outpatient clinics reported 25.3 influenza-like illness (ILI) cases per 1,000 outpatients, which significantly exceeds the epidemic threshold of 12.9. Virus detection rates among respiratory patients reached 16.3%, prompting health authorities to issue an official influenza advisory on September 11.
COVID-19 is mirroring this upward trajectory. Data from the same surveillance period show a 16.3% virus detection rate for COVID-19 among respiratory illness patients, with hospitalized cases surging to 193—more than triple the 57 admissions recorded four weeks prior, as reported by the KDCA.
Vaccination Timelines and Holiday Risks
The convergence of respiratory pathogens creates heightened vulnerability because this year’s Chuseok holiday falls between September 24 and September 27, arriving before large-scale travel can be mitigated by vaccine-induced immunity. National influenza vaccinations are scheduled to roll out sequentially for children and pregnant women beginning September 21, while adults aged 65 and older become eligible for both influenza and COVID-19 immunizations starting October 12.
Four Essential Respiratory Infection Prevention Rules
To curb transmission during family reunions, the KMI outlines four core respiratory infection prevention guidelines:
- Stay home if symptomatic: Individuals experiencing a fever, cough, or sore throat should rest and avoid public gatherings, school, or work to prevent spreading illness, according to KMI guidelines. The KDCA specifies that influenza patients should isolate until 24 hours have passed without fever-reducing medication, though clinical judgment takes priority.
- Practice personal hygiene and mask-wearing: Wearing masks is recommended in crowded indoor environments and on public transportation. Anyone with respiratory symptoms must wear a mask if going out is unavoidable.
- Prioritize high-risk vaccinations: Older adults aged 65 and older, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and young children should receive vaccinations without delay once eligible.
- Seek prompt medical care: Because differentiating between influenza and COVID-19 based on symptoms alone is difficult, patients with respiratory illness should visit a medical institution early for accurate diagnosis and antiviral treatment, which reduces the risk of severe complications.
KMI Chairman Lee Gwang-bae added that adhering to basic prevention rules is essential for a safe holiday, noting that the organization remains committed to supporting public health through its network of medical checkup centers in Seoul, Suwon, Daegu, Busan, Gwangju, and Jeju.
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