As influenza activity in Taiwan has persistently declined, the number of patients seeking care for influenza-like illness at the emergency department has also continued to decrease. As the weather continues to fluctuate and a continental air mass is very likely to hit Taiwan this week, the public is advised to seek immediate medical attention when symptoms develop and follow the doctor’s instructions in taking the influenza antiviral drugs when necessary.  

According to the surveillance data compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), the number of severe influenza cases reported last week was 115. The majority of the cases (79%) were infected with H1N1, while 14% were infected with type B viruses. 47 new deaths were reported. Their dates of death were between February 28 and March 17, 2016 and they were aged between 2 and 87. The week before, a total of 56 deaths were reported. Based on previous experiences, 80% of the reported deaths are associated with influenza infection.

Since the beginning of this influenza season on July 1, 2015, as of March 20, 2016, a total of 1,778 severe influenza cases (96% were unvaccinated against influenza), including 163 deaths (95% were unvaccinated against influenza), have been confirmed. Last week, about 60% of the influenza patients were infected with influenza B viruses. As of now, none of the viruses identified has shown drug resistance.

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 in order to ensure prompt treatment, prevent further transmission of the disease, and reduce the occurrence of severe cases and deaths.

Although influenza activity has gradually declined, Taiwan CDC urges the public to remain vigilant for influenza infection, practice good personal hygiene such as washing hands frequently and putting on a mask when coughing, and avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation. If signs of severe complications such as shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, cyanosis, blood-stained mucus or thickening of mucus, chest pain, change of consciousness, low blood pressure or high fever that persists for more than 48 hours develop, please put on a mask and seek immediate medical attention. When necessary, please follow the physician’s instructions for taking the government-funded antivirals and rest at home. 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).