Influenza type B is currently prevalent among children and adolescents aged 7 to 18.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted that in the 14th week of this year, the number of suspected influenza cases at outpatient medical institutions was 16.9 per 1,000 outpatients, showing an increase for four consecutive weeks since March. By age group, the highest incidence was among those aged 13 to 18 with 56.1, followed by those aged 7 to 12 with 53.8. The incidence for ages 1 to 6 was 12.7, while for those aged 65 and older it was 3.
According to surveillance results of respiratory virus pathogens, the detection rate of influenza virus also increased for four consecutive weeks to 22.5%, with the majority being influenza type B.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the currently circulating influenza virus is genetically similar to this season's vaccine strain, so sufficient preventive effects can be expected from vaccination. There are no mutations affecting antiviral resistance, making effective treatment possible.
This season's national influenza vaccination will be carried out until the 30th of this month, targeting those at high risk of severe illness from infection, including individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and infants and children aged 6 months to 13 years.
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Director Ji Yeong-mi said, "It is important to comply with respiratory infection prevention rules, such as hand washing, cough etiquette, and wearing masks, to prevent illness," and added, "Even if a diagnosis of influenza type A was received this season, one can still catch influenza type B, so those who have not been vaccinated against influenza are advised to get vaccinated now."