The coldest February in about 30 years has increased the dangers of a flu wave, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday. The agency said since an influenza advisory was issued on Jan. 5, the number of patients has been soaring in southern regions like Gwangju, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province, and infections continue in Seoul and the central region.
"Influenza used to prevail from late December to early January over the past five years and flu patients in early February are quite rare," said Park Sun-hee of the KCDC. "We expect the number of flu patients to increase sharply as biting cold weather is predicted for February and students are returning to school this month."
To prevent flu, the KCDC advised the elderly, patients with chronic diseases, children and pregnant women to get preventive shots and wash their hands frequently. It recommends wearing masks if they have a fever, cough and runny nose.
"Influenza used to prevail from late December to early January over the past five years and flu patients in early February are quite rare," said Park Sun-hee of the KCDC. "We expect the number of flu patients to increase sharply as biting cold weather is predicted for February and students are returning to school this month."
To prevent flu, the KCDC advised the elderly, patients with chronic diseases, children and pregnant women to get preventive shots and wash their hands frequently. It recommends wearing masks if they have a fever, cough and runny nose.
