PublishTime：2025-03-18
The Taiwan Centers for Disease (Taiwan CDC) announced that today (18th) that, during the 11th week of 2025 (March 9-15), there were approximately 108,000 outpatient and emergency department visits for influenza-like illness. Although the number of these visits is on a downward trend, influenza activity remains high. According to laboratory surveillance data, the predominant respiratory pathogen currently circulating in the community is the influenza virus, primarily influenza A (H1N1). The number of cases of severe complicated influenza and deaths remains high. In the previous week (March 11-17), there were 45 new severe cases and 15 deaths, mostly attributed to influenza A(H1N1) infections. From October 1, 2024, through March 17, 2025, this flu season, there were a cumulative total of 1,152 severe cases (1,075 cases of influenza A(H1N1), 54 cases of influenza A(H3N2), 9 cases of untyped influenza A, and 14 cases of influenza B). More than half of these cases (58%) occurred in adults aged 65 and older. Additionally, there were a cumulative total of 254 deaths (243 from influenza A(H1N1), 8 from influenza A (H3N2), and 3 from influenza B). Taiwan CDC reported that while influenza activity is generally declining worldwide, the epidemic situation in the United States and Canada remains above the epidemic threshold. Influenza A(H1N1) is currently widespread in many countries. The United States is experiencing co-circulation of both the H3N2 and H1N1 viruses. In Korea, influenza B is dominant. In Europe, both H3 influenza viruses and influenza B are circulating at the same time. Taiwan CDC pointed out that it has expanded the eligibility criteria for government-funded influenza antiviral medications. Previously, eligibility was limited to individuals with influenza-like symptoms who have family members/ coworkers/classmates with influenza-like symptoms. The previous criteria will remain effective until March 31, 2025. Under the expanded criteria, government-funded antivirals can be prescribed to individuals assessed by a physician as meeting the conditions for use to reduce severe cases and death. Taiwan CDC reminds the public that the risk of influenza virus transmission remains high as flu activity remains high and temperatures have dropped significantly this week. The public is urged to remain vigilant for common flu symptoms, such as fever, headache, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches. If individuals experience any warning signs appear, such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, cyanosis (oxygen deficiency), blood-tinged or thickened sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, low blood pressure, or high fever lasting over 72 hours, they should seek medical attention immediately for timely treatment. They should follow the prescribed treatment as directed by the doctor to reduce the risk of severe complications.