Coughing everywhere... Is it a big problem if I only take cold medicine?

For those who haven't received the flu vaccination, please do so now.

Hello

 

The government has issued a seasonal influenza warning.

 

It means that the outbreak has exceeded the standard level, so if you haven't been vaccinated yet, it might be a good idea to consider it.

 

Actress Seo Joo-yeon, I hear the number of flu patients has increased significantly?

 

[Reporter]

 

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of suspected influenza patients this month in the second week was 14 per 1,000 people, far exceeding the threshold of 8 that is used to determine an outbreak.

 

Director Ji-Young Mi of the Disease Control Agency emphasized, "In preparation for the possibility of a larger influenza outbreak during the winter season, it is important for high-risk groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and children to get vaccinated promptly."

 

Recently, the flu season has been getting longer, and in September 2022, the flu outbreak that was announced lasted as long as 22 months.

 

[Anchor]

 

Is the free vaccination ongoing?

 

[Reporter]

 

Children over 6 months old up to 13 years old, pregnant women, and seniors over 65 can receive free flu vaccinations until April next year.

 

Apart from this, you have to pay out of pocket for the vaccine, with a minimum of 35,000 won and an average of around 37,000 won in Seoul.

 

There are flu treatments such as the oral medication Tamiflu and the intravenous form Peramivir, and Korea Roche has also released Zofluza, which only needs to be taken once, with prices ranging from 70,000 to 80,000 won.

 

Existing medications like Tamiflu cost around 10,000 won for a 5-day course, which is about seven times more expensive.

 

High-risk groups such as children and pregnant women can receive health insurance benefits when antiviral medications are prescribed for suspected symptoms during the influenza epidemic warning period.

 

This is Seo Joo-yeon from SBS Biz.