According to the ‘Health Insurance Treatment Status of Flu (J09~J11) Patients from 2018 to 2022’ announced by the National Health Insurance Corporation on the 19th of last month, the number of influenza patients in 2022 is 873,590, which is about 91.2% compared to the previous year (9,574). appeared to have increased twofold. The number of monthly patients peaked at 756,420 in December 2022, and unusually, the second wave continued until spring, reaching 274,031 in May 2023.
▲ ‘Flu (J09~J11)’ monthly patient count trend (2022.12~2023.6) (Source=Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service)
Flu epidemic peaks in winter – second peak in spring
Experts cite the relaxation of COVID-19 quarantine measures, such as the removal of indoor masks, as the cause of the surge in flu patients. This year, in particular, three types of influenza viruses (type A (H1N1)pdm09, H3N2 and type B Victoria) are circulating simultaneously, and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has not lifted the ‘flu epidemic advisory’ issued for 2022-2023, and has announced that it will be announced in 2023. It continues until 2024 (2023.9~2024.8).
The flu epidemic period varies every year, but usually occurs from October to April of the following year. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 2nd, due to the recent simultaneous epidemic of type A and type B influenza, the possibility of being re-infected with type B influenza is increasing even if you were previously infected with type A influenza, and since type B influenza is prevalent until April, it is even possible now. He urged people to actively participate in influenza vaccination. Until April 30, you can prepare for the upcoming second flu epidemic by taking advantage of the national free flu vaccination for the elderly, pregnant women, and children. Even if you are not eligible for vaccination support, you can visit hospitals and get vaccinated individually. In general, flu vaccination is 70% to 90% effective in preventing flu in healthy adults. If you experience pain or heat after vaccination, you can receive help from medicines such as Tylenol 500mg, a brand of Tylenol, a well-known antipyretic analgesic.
Flu symptoms similar to cold
The unwanted flu, which lasts until spring, has similar symptoms to a cold, but appears much more clearly. A cold causes symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and mild fever, but the flu also causes symptoms such as high fever, headache, and joint pain. In children, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. If symptoms are severe, the elderly over 65 years of age, children, pregnant women, and patients with lung disease/heart disease are at high risk of developing complications such as pneumonia or being hospitalized.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Relieve Flu/Cold Symptoms
Common treatments (symptom relief) for flu and colds include getting enough rest and drinking plenty of water. Additionally, when fever and pain are severe, you can get help from medicines that can be easily purchased at pharmacies. Typically, antipyretic analgesics such as ‘Tylenol 500mg’ are often used, but taking ‘Tylenol Cold-S Tablets’, which is specialized for flu/cold symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and body aches, is more effective in comprehensive cold symptom care.
▲ Tylenol Cold-S Tablets
‘Tylenol Cold-S Tablet’ is a medicine that contains four ingredients for fever reduction/pain relief, nasal congestion, cough, and suppression of runny nose/sneezing. Just taking one tablet relieves flu and cold symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, and joint pain. , can effectively relieve muscle pain, etc. Recently, the brand has promoted its special benefits as a general cold medicine through the ‘Cough, runny nose, body aches – Tylenol Cold for general cold’ campaign and is accelerating activities to prevent ‘Long-Cold’.
To prevent spring flu and colds due to the upcoming cold spring season, you must make proper hand washing a habit and follow personal hygiene rules. Cold or influenza viruses are spread through saliva or respiratory secretions produced when coughing or sneezing, so it is helpful to wear a mask, avoid contact with people showing symptoms of respiratory infectious diseases, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if you have related symptoms.
2024-02-13 03:32:39
#Flu #continues #spring #vaccination #needed
