As the weather gets colder, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) reminds the public that the influenza season is upon us. More than 90% of the 3.09 million doses of the allotted seasonal influenza vaccines have been administered. Taiwan CDC urges eligible recipients of the government-funded influenza vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure their own health and the health of others.

Influenza is a major infectious disease in the winter in Taiwan. Every year, influenza activity usually peaks during late December through February and March next year. Hence, local influenza activity is expected to gradually increase. On the other hand, increasing influenza activity has been noted in some parts of the U.S. and Canada, as well as neighboring countries such as Japan and northern provinces in China. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body, right now is a good time to get vaccinated.

According to Taiwan CDC, people who become infected with influenza experience more severe symptoms than those infected with a common cold. In addition, individuals such as elderly people, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, chronic renal disease, and diabetes are at higher risk for influenza complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death. Last week (November 23 and 29, 2014), the ER consultation rate for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 7.91% and the rate of specimens positive for influenza virus in the community was 2.4%. Currently, H3N2 is the dominant strain circulating in the community. When compared to the same period last year, this year’s influenza activity remained at lower levels. Taiwan CDC will continue to closely monitor influenza activity. Since August 1, 2014, a cumulative total of 50 cases of influenza-related complications, including 14 deaths who had a medical history of chronic conditions, have been confirmed.

Vaccination is widely recognized by experts as the most effective way to prevent influenza. Individuals eligible for government-funded influenza vaccination are urged to get vaccinated. In addition, Taiwan CDC also urges the public to 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 ward off influenza infection.  Nevertheless, a person who has had a severe reaction to any vaccine, is allergic to any component of the vaccine, is under six months of age, has an anaphylactic allergy to eggs, or has been deemed medically unfit for vaccination by a physician is advised against vaccination. On the other hand, a person who is unwell (e.g. having an acute illness such as fever) on the day of vaccination should postpone the vaccination. For any questions or further information on government-funded influenza vaccination, please visit the local health bureau’s website or the Taiwan CDC’s website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922.