Since this year’s government-funded seasonal influenza (flu) vaccination campaign was launched on October 1, 2015, a cumulative total of approximately 2.61 million doses of the allotted seasonal influenza vaccines have been administered and about 11% of the allotted vaccines remain available. According to the weather forecast made by the Central Weather Bureau (CWB), the northeast monsoon will intensify this week, which will lead to a significant drop in temperatures in every part of Taiwan. Therefore, individuals who are eligible for government-funded flu vaccine are urged to get vaccinated soon to ward off infection.

Despite a slight increase, recent influenza activity in Taiwan remains at the baseline. According to the statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), five cases of severe influenza complications and one death associated with influenza infection have been confirmed. Since the beginning of this influenza season on July 1, 2015, as of November 23, a cumulative total of 145 severe influenza complications, including 25 deaths, have been confirmed. The outpatient and ER consultation rates for influenza-like illness last week respectively are 1.0% and 8.3%, which are slightly up from the week before last week. During the same period last year, the outpatient and ER consultation rates for influenza-like illness respectively are 1.0% and 7.9%. The number of people seeking healthcare for influenza-like illness last week is 50,797. The rate of specimens testing positive for influenza virus in the community during Week 44 is 1.3%. According to the antigenic analysis of the recent influenza virus isolates, this season’s influenza vaccine is well-matched to the circulating viruses. Thus far, no drug-resistant viruses have been detected.

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. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body, right now is a good time to get vaccinated. People who become infected with influenza experience more severe symptoms than those infected with a common cold and the symptoms last for a longer period of time. In addition, individuals such as elderly people, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, renal disease, and diabetes are at higher risk for influenza complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death. Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body, the public is urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Besides getting vaccinated against flu, the public is also urged to practice good personal hygiene, wash hands with soap and water frequently and wear a mask when sick in order to effectively lower the risk of 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 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).