'Influenza Outbreak'... Gyeonggi Province Urges Vaccination and Adherence to Hygiene Guidelines

Gyeonggi Province has urged residents to follow respiratory infection prevention guidelines and participate in vaccinations in response to the early onset of the influenza outbreak this year.

The proportion of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases per 1,000 patients in Gyeonggi Province has been steadily increasing, from 6.4 people in week 33, to 8.4 in week 34, 12.4 in week 35, and 21.2 in week 36.

Across all age groups in the province, the proportion of ILI cases has increased, with the highest rate found among children aged 7 to 12—46.4 per 1,000 outpatients. This was followed by children aged 1 to 6 at 39.0, and adolescents aged 13 to 18 at 24.2, showing a rapid increase centering on school-age children and infants and toddlers.

To prevent influenza, Gyeonggi Province has requested residents to strictly follow respiratory infection prevention measures such as: receiving vaccinations according to individual eligibility schedules; washing hands with soap and running water for at least 30 seconds; covering the mouth and nose with tissue or a sleeve when coughing or sneezing; wearing a mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms; avoiding touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; and ventilating indoor spaces frequently.

Given the particularly rapid increase in influenza cases among infants, toddlers, and school-age children, it is necessary for group care facilities such as daycare centers and schools to actively provide information on vaccination and enhance education on prevention measures like handwashing and respiratory etiquette.

In addition, high-risk groups such as adults aged 65 and older and immunocompromised individuals should promptly visit medical institutions and receive appropriate treatment if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat.

Influenza Information Poster for Gyeonggi Province

The national influenza vaccination program for the 2026–2027 season will be implemented sequentially from September 21, according to each group’s eligibility schedule. In particular, starting this season, adolescents aged 14 will also be included in the support eligibility for national influenza vaccination. Therefore, eligible individuals are encouraged to actively participate in vaccination according to their scheduled times. Gyeonggi Province will continue to monitor trends in ILI cases, hospitalized patients, and the detection of influenza viruses in the province and intends to actively respond to the outbreak by sharing related information through weekly infectious disease status review meetings.

During the influenza epidemic advisory period, high-risk groups such as children, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying conditions may be eligible for health insurance reimbursement for antiviral medications if prescribed by a physician based on suspected influenza symptoms alone.

Yoo Youngcheol, Director of the Health and Wellness Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "The influenza season has started earlier than usual, and especially with the rapid increase in ILI cases among infants and children, extra caution is required. Vaccination-eligible individuals should be vaccinated according to the schedule, and everyone should actively follow basic preventive measures such as handwashing, proper respiratory etiquette, and wearing a mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms in everyday life."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.