TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) reported on Tuesday (Feb. 25) a total of 137,000 visits for flu-like illness consultations from Feb. 16-22. It cautioned that Taiwan remains in flu season, with a significant number of severe cases and deaths, predominantly linked to the H1N1 virus.
The CDC noted this flu season's consultation numbers are the second highest in the past decade for the same period. Laboratory monitoring confirmed that influenza viruses, especially the H1N1 strain, are the primary respiratory pathogens in communities. The CDC warned that fluctuating temperatures have sustained virus activity, increasing transmission risks.
Taiwan recorded 83 new severe flu cases and 23 deaths from Feb. 18-24, primarily due to H1N1 infections. Since Oct. 1, 2024, the flu season has seen 999 severe cases, with the elderly (65 and older) making up 56%. Of the 204 deaths, 85% of confirmed cases and 89% of deaths involved individuals who had not received the flu vaccine.
Taiwan had administered 6.655 million doses of public flu vaccines as of Monday, achieving a 99.5% usage rate, with over 20,000 doses still available at 1,070 contracted medical facilities. The CDC urged the public not to underestimate the flu's severity, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene and cough etiquette. They advised seeking medical attention for symptoms like difficulty breathing and following doctors' instructions to reduce severe complications.
