"Respiratory viruses can threaten humanity again at any time. The easiest way to prevent this is through vaccination."
Professor Jin-Kook Lee of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital met with ChosunBiz on 16th and noted, "Vaccination is an easy way to prevent diseases caused by respiratory viruses, and when considering the pros and cons, the benefits far outweigh the risks." After graduating from the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine and obtaining his master's and doctoral degrees at the same university, Professor Lee has worked at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital for 15 years.
Recently, new COVID-19 cases have been emerging again, particularly in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) last month, the positive rate for COVID-19 tests reported from 73 countries and territories worldwide was 11%, the highest level since July last year, when the positivity rate reached 12% based on reports from 99 countries. In particular, the infection rate in China has increased to 16.2%, and the number of hospitalized patients has surged twofold in about a month.
Given that these are all neighboring countries, Korea cannot be at ease. In fact, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported that the domestic COVID-19 detection rate was 8.8% based on the period from 18th to 24th (week 21) last month, showing an upward trend for two consecutive weeks.
The health authorities are not only nervous about COVID-19. Respiratory viruses like influenza B (flu) and rhinoviruses that cause colds are also simultaneously on the rise. Professor Lee said, "As a result of analyzing the seasonal characteristics of respiratory viruses in Korea, I confirmed that there is a unique epidemic cycle specific to Korea," and added, "After thorough quarantine measures nearly eradicated the viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have now returned to the existing epidemic patterns following the recovery of daily life."
Professor Lee, in collaboration with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency last year, analyzed national quarantine data prior to COVID-19 and identified the seasonal characteristics of eight respiratory viruses. The results showed that rhinoviruses and adenoviruses mainly circulate in spring and autumn, while influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) predominantly occur in winter.
Professor Lee noted, "Korea is the only country that has systematically analyzed the periodicity and epidemic timing of respiratory viruses," and added, "In a situation where various viruses are simultaneously emerging both domestically and abroad, the findings of this study will aid in creating a disease prediction and early warning system."
Professor Lee particularly focused on the risks of RSV. He stated, "Although RSV is relatively less known, it has high toxicity and cell destructive power, making it a severely threatening virus for the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions," and warned that it could lead to hospitalization through pneumonia, asthma, or exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In fact, RSV commonly occurs in infants and children, but recently, severe cases have rapidly increased among the elderly. The problem is that there is still no definitive treatment for RSV. He remarked, "While there are antiviral treatments for influenza and COVID-19, there are currently no treatments for RSV, making prevention the most important response measure."
Professor Lee pointed to "air pollution" as a factor in the outbreak of respiratory viruses, including RSV. Currently, research is also underway, supported by the Ministry of Environment, on the correlation between respiratory viruses and air pollution. He noted, "Past studies have shown that as air pollution worsens, such as with fine dust, there is an increase in respiratory virus infections among asthma and COPD patients in Korea," and added, "We plan to analyze exactly how air pollution affects respiratory patients and how to prevent it."
Professor Lee also serves as the chairman of the COPD research group under the Asia-Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) in Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong. He stated that although he has followed Western-centric respiratory virus treatment guidelines, there is now a need for guidelines and treatments tailored to the characteristics of East Asians. Professor Lee stressed, "Most COPD patients in the West are obese, but in Korea, there are many with low muscle mass and a slim physique," indicating that he is focusing on well-researching respiratory diseases unique to East Asians in order to develop appropriate, tailored treatment methods.
Professor Lee emphasized that the role of vaccines is crucial for preventing respiratory virus infections. He stated, "The virus that caused COVID-19 is a new form that humanity has no immunity against, leading to significant damage, but most respiratory viruses such as RSV, pneumococcus, and influenza have a certain level of immunity established," adding, "Simply getting vaccinated and taking basic precautions can effectively prevent infection or avoid severe cases."
In this regard, he warned that some negative perceptions about vaccines pose a significant risk to public health. Professor Lee noted, "While there are various viewpoints concerning the necessity and efficacy of vaccines, an approach based on scientifically proven data is needed," emphasizing that "vaccines are the most efficient method to protect not only individuals but also public health."