Health authorities warn influenza (flu) cases in South Korea surged in early November, with outpatient flu-like illnesses rising from 22.8 to 50.7 per 1,000 patients in one week (45th week, Nov 2–8), about a 2.2-fold increase. Young children and adolescents are most affected: ages 7–12 showed 138.1 cases per 1,000, ages 1–6 had 81.1, and ages 13–18 had 75.6. The flu season began earlier than usual, prompting a warning issued on Oct 17 (about two months earlier than last year). The Korea Disease Control Agency forecasts this winter’s outbreak may be wider and longer than last year. Authorities urge high-risk groups—children 6 months–13 years, people 65+, and pregnant women—to get free national vaccinations; those 65+ can receive COVID-19 and flu shots simultaneously but should use different arms to maximize immune response (different arms helps lymph nodes activate immune cells separately). Officials emphasize that influenza causes high fever, muscle aches, and severe fatigue unlike a simple cold, and note childhood vaccination rates have fallen over five years, making this season harder to control.
