보건복지부 영문홈페이지

Warning for seasonal influenza during extreme cold weather

-       Ensure personal hygiene such as washing hands and practicing coughing etiquette –

-       Flu shot recommended for those susceptible to the virus –

Precautionary recommendations to prevent the spread of influenza

①    People who are elderly, weak or chronically ill should get vaccinated.

②    Ensure personal hygiene by frequently washing hands and brushing teeth.

③    Practice coughing etiquette by covering mouth with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing.

④    Wear a mask when experiencing a fever and respiratory symptoms (coughing, sore throat, runny nose, etc.).

⑤    Avoid visiting crowded areas during the flu season.

⑥    Visit a doctor when influenza symptoms are suspected. 

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) (Director Jeon Byungyool) strongly suggests ensuring personal hygiene such as washing hands and practicing coughing etiquette to prevent the spread of influenza as seasonal influenza is expected to increase.

According to an analysis by the Korean Influenza Surveillance Scheme (KISS) and the Korea Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Surveillance System (KINRESS) which are both operated by the KCDC:

The ratio of influenza-like illnesses was 2.8 persons during week 51 (Dec. 16^th to 22^nd, 2012), which is lower than the influenza pandemic standard (4 out of 1,000 outpatients) but higher than that of week 50 (2.7 persons from Dec. 9^th to 15^th, 2012). The surveillance results first confirmed the influenza virus (A/H3N2 type) in Daejeon during week 36.

A total of 10 confirmed influenza virus cases were detected (three cases of H3N2 type and seven cases of A(H1N1)pdm 09 type) with  two cases from Gangwon Province, two cases from Daejeon, and one case from South Gyeongsang Province. 

- The A(H1N1)pdm 09 virus which was not detected during the 2011-2012 flu season has been confirmed nationwide including Daejon, South Jeolla Province, South Gyeongsang Province, and Gangwon Province.

※ The A(H1N1)pdm09 virus is mainly detected in the US, but China has also reported an outbreak of the virus.

- According to genetic analyses on the tolerance to anti-viral drugs, three cases of viruses (two cases of H3N2 type and one case of A(H1N1)pdm09 type) are resistant to amantadine and Tamiflu.

Influenza is an acute respiratory disease with an initial outbreak occurring between December and January and a second outbreak taking place between March and April.

Since acute respiratory diseases can be infectious through secretions such as coughing and nasal mucus, it is important for prevention to ensure personal hygiene and practice coughing etiquette (covering mouth with a tissue or clothing when coughing).

Also, those who are older than 65 years, chronically ill, aged between 6 months and 59 months, or pregnant are highly recommended to get vaccinated as they are particularly at risk of complications such as pneumonia while infected with the influenza virus.

Even though healthy teenagers and adults may not be in urgent need of vaccination, they can get a flu shot, if necessary, to prevent absence from school or work.

※ They should get vaccinated at private medical institutions as most of public health centers have run out of vaccinations, but they must pay for the shot with their own money.