'My father can't walk'... Everyone had the flu, says emergency room doctor

Amid the highest number of suspected flu cases in eight years, Professor Nam Goong-in of the Emergency Medicine Department at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital stated, "It feels like we're witnessing the final period when the entire nation couldn't avoid COVID-19 infection."

Professor Namgung stated on SNS on the afternoon of the 7th, "The flu is spreading widely. People of all ages are getting the flu regardless of gender. Usually, it causes a fever and severe body aches, with sore throat or respiratory symptoms being less severe. Traditionally, the flu tends to spread during winter when indoor activities are frequent and ventilation is poor. However, due to the impact of the pandemic, viruses that had been dormant are now spreading all at once."

He added, "From healthy individuals to the elderly, children, pregnant women, and cancer patients, everyone is equally susceptible to the flu. Influenza A (also known as H1N1 or swine flu), which was prevalent in 2009, different subtypes of Influenza A, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus are all detected in nearly equal amounts. Occasionally, COVID-19 is also present."

Professor Namgoong said, "All patients have severe symptoms. Half of the emergency room patients and phone inquiries are related to the flu," and added, "Many do not present typical symptoms. For example, 'My mother can't eat,' 'My father can't walk,' 'Grandmother had a stroke, but the weakness on the left side has worsened,' etc. After testing, it was all the flu. Cases like 'My friend fainted,' 'It seems like a urinary tract infection has recurred,' 'Vomiting and feeling completely exhausted' were also the flu."

Additionally, there has been an increase in cases where patients visit the hospital because their fever does not subside during late at night. Compared to previous COVID-19 cases, progression to pneumonia or the need for hospitalization is relatively rare. However, all respiratory viruses have the potential to worsen acutely. A healthy person in their 30s is currently receiving ventilator treatment in the intensive care unit. Of course, there are also a significant number of elderly patients being hospitalized, he added.

Professor Namgung explained, "If there is hope, this flu is just like the ones that have circulated before. It may spread for a few more weeks, but it will improve over time. So, there's no need to stop the activities just because the flu is spreading. Just act with common sense."

He emphasized, "The flu is a temporary infection of the virus in humans. Most people, including myself, will overcome the virus and recover," and added, "Therefore, take good care of your condition, pay attention to hygiene as usual, drink warm water, get vaccinated, visit a hospital if symptoms appear, take medication and rest until you recover, and if vulnerable elderly people around you are in danger, seek help from medical staff."

Professor Namgung responded to a netizen's comment, "Everyone was going to get infected anyway, so why get vaccinated? It was something unavoidable," by saying, "Getting vaccinated reduces the chance of infection and symptoms are milder if you do get infected. It's always beneficial to get vaccinated."

The number of suspected influenza patients nationwide last week, as compiled by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, was 73.9 per 1,000 outpatient visits, a 136% increase from the previous week. This is the highest figure since 2016 when it was 86.2. The transmission speed is also rapid, having increased tenfold compared to three weeks ago. By age group, adolescents and children are the most affected.

The quarantine authorities advised, "The flu outbreak is expected to continue until spring," and urged, "You should get the flu vaccine now."

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The flu situation is serious..
Vaccination is essential~ Please make sure to get it~