The influenza epidemic has not yet abated, and doctors indicate that there are currently more cases of type B influenza. According to a report from the Taichung City Health Bureau, although the influenza and norovirus outbreaks have eased before the long holiday, there were still three instances of respiratory group infections and one instance of diarrhea group infection in schools last week. Pediatricians have noted that several students in the same class have recently contracted influenza and urge returning students to wash their hands frequently. If symptoms appear, they should wear masks and take leave to rest. Since October of last year, Taichung City has reported 147 cases of severe influenza complications, with 32 deaths. The number of outpatient visits in recent times remains significant, and doctors remind everyone to pay special attention to the ongoing epidemic.
The flu epidemic is still on the rise, and doctors indicate that current clinical tests are mainly focused on type B influenza.
With the end of the long holiday, the public has resumed normal work and school attendance. The Taichung City Health Bureau stated that although the flu and norovirus outbreaks had eased before the holiday, there were still three cases of respiratory group infections and one case of diarrhea group infection reported in schools last week.
Pediatricians mentioned that several students in the same class have contracted the flu recently, and even family members have sequentially become infected. Clinical observations indicate that type B influenza is predominant, urging students to continue washing their hands frequently after returning to school. Those with respiratory symptoms should wear masks and follow cough etiquette, and if experiencing fever, they should stay home and rest.
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, from the start of the flu season in October last year until March 29 of this year, there have been 147 cases of severe flu complications in Taichung City, with a total of 32 deaths. As of March 29, there are still 19 severe patients hospitalized for treatment.
In the 13th week (from March 23 to 29), the number of outpatient and emergency visits for influenza-like illnesses in Taichung City reached 17,445 and 1,128, respectively, while the number of visits for diarrhea was 21,644 and 1,727.
During this period, the Health Bureau received reports of three campus flu outbreaks and one diarrhea outbreak. Fortunately, the students have returned to health and returned to school after receiving medical treatment.
Pediatricians further pointed out that although influenza-like illnesses and norovirus slightly decreased before the Qingming long holiday, group cases in schools and families still exist. For example, a pair of brothers sought medical attention due to the flu, with the younger brother confirming type B influenza on March 31. The doctor prescribed publicly funded antiviral medication; however, the older brother also got infected on April 1, with the test result also confirming type B influenza. Unfortunately, the publicly funded antiviral medication changed to conditional coverage under national health insurance from April 1, leading to young students having to pay for the medication themselves. The mother lamented, "The cost of just one day difference is too high."
Additionally, in a certain class of third-year students, five students have shown symptoms of cough, runny nose, low fever, and fatigue. The teacher asked students with cold symptoms to go to the clinic for screening, and all results confirmed type B influenza.
Dr. Shi emphasized that in clinical tests, type B influenza has surpassed type A influenza. Typically, after long holidays, the flu epidemic can rebound due to people's movements across the country. Although temperatures are rising, the virus remains active. He calls for everyone to strengthen personal hygiene protection to avoid infection and to absolutely avoid attending classes when experiencing fever, suggesting that they stay at home to rest properly.
