During January 18 and 24, 2015, the influenza epidemic in Taiwan has remained flat-lined. Nevertheless, we have entered the influenza season. Additionally, a number of countries in the northern hemisphere neighboring Taiwan have also subsequently entered the peak of the influenza season. As the winter break and the spring break are fast approaching, people planning to travel to affected areas are advised to wash hands frequently and thoroughly and pay attention to respiratory hygiene to prevent infection. If signs of severe complications develop, please seek prompt medical attention.

According to the statistics data compiled by Taiwan CDC, adenovirus is the dominant virus circulating in the community during Week 1, followed by influenza virus. The rate of specimens testing positive for adenovirus in the community during Week 1 is approximately 20.1% (6.7% was reported during the same period last year). The rate of specimens testing positive for influenza virus in the community during Week 1 is approximately 14.5 % (29.5% was reported during the same period last year), which is slightly up from the 10.0% reported the week before. The consultation rate for influenza-like illness at the emergency departments last week is 9.9% (13.2% was reported during the same period last year), which has not fluctuated from the 9.8% reported the week before. According to the National Health Insurance data, a total number of 169 hospitalizations due to influenza infection was recorded, which is lower than that recorded last year (461 hospitalizations due to influenza was recorded during the same period last year). During August 1, 2014 and January 26, 2015, a cumulative total of 74 cases of influenza-related complications, including 16 deaths, were reported. During January 1 and 26, 2015, a cumulative total of 18 confirmed cases of influenza-related complications, including 2 deaths, were reported. By comparison to the same time last year, there had been a cumulative total of 191 cases of influenza-related complications, including 36 deaths. 93.8% of the deaths had a medical history of chronic illness. As the influenza outbreaks in northern hemisphere continue to persist, several countries have reached the peak of the influenza season and the influenza A(H3N2) virus is the primary circulating strain.

As the influenza activity in Hong Kong has recently peaked, the consultation rates for influenza-like illness at the emergency departments and sentinel outpatient services have both increased. Since January 2015, over 80 cases of influenza-related complications have been reported and 90% of them are infected with H3N2. In addition, 42 people have died. Taiwan CDC urges people planning to visit Hong Kong during the winter break or the spring break to take personal precautions to ward off influenza infection.

Since only approximately 100,000 doses of the allotted seasonal influenza vaccines remain, Taiwan CDC urges eligible recipients of the government-funded vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible in order to ensure their own health and the health of others. Individuals not meeting the requirement for the government-funded vaccine are encouraged to receive the self-paid vaccine to boost their immunity. 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. 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).