Although influenza activity in Taiwan has gradually declined, a strong continental air mass that is about to hit Taiwan will lower the temperature, which could facilitate influenza activity. Hence, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) urges the public to pay attention to hand and respiratory hygiene when visiting public places. If influenza-like symptoms (ILI) develop, please seek immediate medical attention, follow the doctor’s instructions in taking the influenza antiviral drugs, and rest at home.

Beginning March 11, 2016, Taiwan CDC has again expanded the target population for the antiviral drug to include patients with influenza-like illness who experience fever. Additionally, the period for the expanded use of government-funded antivirals is extended to April 30, 2016 as an attempt to ensure all influenza patients have access to the antiviral.　 Simultaneously, physicians are urged to heighten vigilance for patients with influenza and promptly prescribe government-funded influenza antiviral drugs to eligible patients without the use of a rapid influenza diagnostic test.　

On the other hand, the ER consultation rate for ILI remains above the epidemic threshold (13%). To ensure appropriate evaluation and categorization of the ILI patients and prevent the occurrence of an outbreak, Taiwan CDC has requested local health bureaus to closely monitor the situation of ILI patients seeking health care. In addition, Taiwan CDC has also requested the hospitals under its supervision in each city and county to extend the special outpatient clinic for ILI to April 30, 2016.

Taiwan CDC once again stresses that elderly aged 65 and above, infants and children, people with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women are all at increased risk for influenza-related complications. If signs of severe complications such as breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, cyanosis, blood-stained mucus or thickening of mucus, chest pain, change of consciousness, or low blood pressure develop, please seek immediate medical attention to ensure prompt treatment. Taiwan CDC urges physicians to heighten vigilance for patients with influenza and promptly prescribe government-funded influenza antiviral drugs to eligible patients in order to reduce the risk of complications and death. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).