讀後心得

The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control announced today that there were about 110,000 visits for flu-like symptoms from March 16 to 22, and the epidemic has exited the outbreak period. The public funding for antiviral flu medications will cease at the end of March. Although the number of flu cases has decreased, there have been 24 new severe cases and 11 deaths recently, primarily caused by type A H1N1. The proportion of flu cases in emergency departments is about 11.4%, indicating a need to be vigilant about the risk of severe cases. This flu season has accumulated 1,176 severe cases and 265 deaths. As for COVID-19, there are 7 new severe cases and 1 death, with the epidemic currently at a low point but showing an upward trend. Those who have not received the JN.1 vaccine are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, with only 69,000 doses remaining, expiring on April 5.

The Centers for Disease Control of the Ministry of Health and Welfare pointed out today that the number of medical visits for flu-like illnesses from March 16 to 22 was approximately 110,000, remaining the same as the previous week. After comprehensive assessment, it has been determined that the flu epidemic has exited the epidemic phase; the expanded use of publicly funded antiviral drugs for flu will end at the end of March.

In the routine epidemic report, the director of the epidemic center stated that the number of visits for flu-like illnesses from March 16 to 22 was about 110,000. Data indicates that respiratory pathogens prevailing in the community are still dominated by the influenza virus, but its proportion has decreased. According to the report, from March 18 to 24, there were 24 newly reported cases of severe flu complications, including 11 deaths, with these new cases and deaths primarily linked to A-type H1N1 infection.

Regarding the proportion of flu-related medical visits, a spokesperson from the Centers for Disease Control mentioned that the flu currently accounts for about 11.4% of emergency visits, close to the epidemic threshold. Based on comprehensive assessments of medical visits, laboratory surveillance, and severe death cases, it is judged that the domestic flu epidemic shows a trend of decline and has exited the epidemic phase; however, vigilance regarding the risks of severe cases must be maintained.

Currently, the flu-like epidemic is easing, and the Centers for Disease Control indicated that the conditions for the expanded use of publicly funded antiviral drugs for flu are "having flu-like symptoms and having family members, colleagues, or classmates with flu patients." This provision will expire on March 31, after which the focus will revert to treating severe flu complications and high-risk chronic disease patients. From October 1 last year to March 24 this year, there have been a total of 1,176 severe flu cases this season (of which 1,095 were A-type H1N1, 56 were A-type H3N2, 9 were untyped A-type, and 16 were B-type), with the 65 years and older demographic accounting for 58%; additionally, the total number of deaths reached 265.

Recent temperature fluctuations have been severe, and multiple respiratory pathogens are active in the community. The Centers for Disease Control reminds the public to continue monitoring preventive measures for respiratory diseases. Regarding COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease), the report indicates that from March 18 to 24, 7 new domestic cases of severe COVID-19 complications and 1 death were reported. The current epidemic is fluctuating at a low point, but there has been a gradual upward trend over the past three weeks.

The Centers for Disease Control also reminds that the existing JN.1 COVID-19 vaccines include Moderna and Novavax brands, with the Novavax JN.1 vaccine approved for people aged 12 and older. Currently, there are 69,000 doses left in the national stock, with an expiration date of April 5; those who have not yet been vaccinated with the JN.1 vaccine and have a need are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.