韩国提前进入流感季高峰

Core Insights - The flu outbreak in South Korea has escalated significantly, with the proportion of patients exhibiting flu-like symptoms reaching nearly 51‰ in the week of November 2-8, more than doubling from the previous week [1][2] - The proportion of suspected flu cases among outpatient visits has increased sharply over the past month, prompting health authorities to raise the flu alert level from "medium" to "high" [2] - Children and adolescents under 18 years old are the primary demographic affected by the surge in flu cases, with hospitalization rates also rising dramatically [2][3] Summary by Sections Flu Statistics - The percentage of suspected flu cases among outpatient visits rose from 7.9‰ (October 12-18) to 13.6‰ (October 19-25), then to 22.8‰ (October 26-November 1), and peaked at approximately 5.5 times the designated threshold of 9.1‰ in the week of November 2-8 [2] - In comparison to the same period in 2024, the current season's flu case proportion is over 12 times higher than the approximately 4‰ recorded last year [2] Demographics and Hospitalization - The increase in flu cases is particularly pronounced among children and adolescents, with incidence rates for ages 1-6, 7-12, and 13-18 more than doubling from the previous week [2] - Hospitalization due to flu-like symptoms has also surged, with 356 patients admitted in the last week, more than doubling from 174 the week prior [2] Expert Opinions - Experts warn that if the current trend continues, South Korea may face its most severe flu season since 2016 [3] - The spread of respiratory diseases, including the flu, is expected to accelerate as colder and drier weather approaches in December and January [3]