In order to meet a possible increased demand for influenza antiviral drugs during the peak of this year’s influenza season, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) has decided to expand the target population for the government-funded influenza antiviral drug use to include persons with high fever that persists up to 48 hours and family members, coworkers and classmates of confirmed influenza cases who display influenza-like illness (ILI). The duration for the expanded use of government-funded antiviral will be adjusted according to the outbreak situation. The public is urged to seek prompt medical assistance when experiencing respiratory symptoms in order to reduce the risk of further transmission and ensure their own health and the health of others.

Currently, the influenza antiviral drugs in use in Taiwan include Relenza, which is administered directly to the respiratory tract through inhalation, and Tamiflu, which is administered orally. Both are effective against influenza A and B. Beginning December 1, the target individuals, including: (1) persons meeting the case definition of persons with influenza-related complications; (2) pregnant women who need prompt treatment with antiviral drugs; (3) persons with ILI and signs of severe complications; (4) persons with ILI and major illness and injury or cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic or renal disease; (5) persons who are morbidly obese (i.e., BMI ≥35); (6) ILI cluster cases confirmed by the commander and the vice commander of the Communicable Disease Control Medical Network; (7) persons meeting the case definition of persons under investigation for possible novel influenza A virus infections; (8) close contacts of “suspected cases of novel influenza A virus”, “probable cases novel influenza A virus” and “confirmed cases of novel influenza A virus”; (9) culling and cleaning workers who work at locations with confirmed cases of animal influenza ;(10) patients with influenza-like illness who have a fever longer than 48 hours; and (11) family members/coworkers/classmates of confirmed influenza cases who display ILI, can have access to the government-funded influenza antiviral drugs when seeking medical attention at over 3,000 contracted hospitals and clinics in the nation.

According to the surveillance data compiled by Taiwan CDC, since August 1, 2014, a total of 51 cases of influenza-related complications, including 14 deaths, have been confirmed. In Taiwan, influenza activity usually peaks during the end of December and March every year. As of now, increased influenza activity has been noted in neighboring countries, including Japan and northern provinces in China, as well as the U.S. and Canada. Influenza activity in Taiwan is expected to gradually increase. Taiwan CDC urges the public not to underestimate the threat of influenza and take everyday precautions, including washing hands regularly, paying attention to hand hygiene, practicing respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, resting at home while sick, and maintaining a normal daily routine, in order to effectively prevent influenza infection and reduce influenza transmission. 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. Further, it is important to follow the physician’s instructions and rest at home when sick.

For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922, or 0800-001922.