Flu has surged 9 times in 3 weeks... "I should get vaccinated now."

[Anchor]
The flu (influenza) epidemic is unusual recently.

The number of suspected flu patients has increased more than nine times in three weeks.

The quarantine authorities urged high-risk groups such as children and the elderly aged 65 or older to get vaccinated even now.

This is reporter Lee Moon-seok.

[Reporter]
The flu is on the alert.

Last week, there were 73.9 suspected cases of flu per 1,000 outpatients in 300 hospitals subject to sample monitoring.

It rose sharply every week from 7.3 patients to 1,000 patients, and more than nine times in three weeks.

The figure is the highest on a weekly basis since it hit 86 in 2016.

The incidence of elementary, middle, and high school students from the ages of 7 to 18 was the highest, and the number of patients was found to be increasing in all age groups.

As the situation became unusual, the quarantine authorities issued an influenza epidemic warning across the country on the 20th of last month.

However, it was found that the vaccination rate fell from the same period last year in children and adults over 65 who are at high risk and are eligible for free national vaccination.

The quarantine authorities emphasized that the influenza virus, which is prevalent in Korea, is very similar to the flu vaccine strain currently being inoculated, so if you get vaccinated, you are expected to have a sufficient preventive effect.

As the flu is expected to continue until spring, high-risk groups are advised not to think it is too late and to get vaccinated even now.

[Park Min-soo / Vice Minister of Health and Welfare: Especially for those with weak immune systems, such as senior citizens aged 65 or older, pregnant women, and children, please actively participate in the vaccination]

In addition, if you have cold symptoms, you should wear a mask and follow basic rules for preventing respiratory infections, such as observing cough etiquette.

I'm YTN's Lee Munseok.

Reporter for shooting
: Jung Chul-woo
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video: Lee Hyunsoo

Design:im Byul