South Korea Seasonal Flu 2026-27

[Commonground]

Flu Hits Korea a Month Early, Hospitalizations Jump Tenfold​

Published 2026.09.14.
Excerpt:

Twice the Epidemic Threshold, 10 Times the Hospitalizations — Ages 7-12 Hit Hardest

In the 36th week of the year, or Aug. 30 to Sept. 5, the first week of the 2026-2027 season, 25.3 out of every 1,000 outpatients at sentinel surveillance clinics showed influenza-like symptoms, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 14th. That is roughly twice this season's epidemic threshold of 12.9.

The agency issued an influenza epidemic advisory as of midnight on the 11th. That is more than a month earlier than last season, when the advisory came on Oct. 17.

The spread is most pronounced among children and adolescents in group settings such as schools. Among those aged 7 to 12, the rate of influenza-like illness climbed to 75.1 per 1,000 outpatients... Hospitalizations, an indicator of severe cases, also rose steeply. Over the same period, hospital-level medical institutions reported 300 influenza inpatients, more than 10 times the 23 recorded a year earlier.

... https://en.sedaily.com/culture/2026/09/14/flu-hits-korea-a-month-early-hospitalizations-jump-tenfold

 

[Commonground]

Translation

Influenza Epidemic Advisory Issued for 2026–2027 Season: Earlier-Than-Usual Outbreak; Enhanced Response for Students and High-Risk Groups (Friday, Sept. 11)

Influenza Epidemic Advisory Issued for 2026-2027 Season:

Early Outbreak Prompts Strengthened Response for Students and High-Risk Groups- Influenza epidemic advisory issued effective September 11 (Fri) at the start of the season.- COVID-19 levels remain lower than the same period last year, though the number of hospitalized patients continues to rise.- Joint review of the outbreak status and response measures conducted with experts and relevant government agencies.- Emphasis placed on wearing masks when respiratory symptoms are present and adhering to respiratory infection prevention guidelines (e.g., covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing); high-risk groups urged to seek early medical attention if they experience fever or respiratory symptoms.The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA; Commissioner Lim Seung-gwan) announced the issuance of an "influenza epidemic advisory" effective 00:00 on September 11 (Fri). This decision follows a review of the current status and response measures regarding influenza and COVID-19—conducted jointly with medical experts and relevant agencies (Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and Ministry of Education)—in light of influenza incidence rates exceeding typical levels for this time of year.* (Criteria for issuing the ’26-’27 season epidemic advisory) Issued following expert consultation when the proportion of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases exceeds the season's epidemic threshold and the influenza virus detection rate is 5% or higher.※ Influenza-like illness (ILI): Cases presenting with a fever of 38°C or higher accompanied by a cough or sore throat.

보도자료

질병관리청 공식 홈페이지, 감염병·건강정보, 정책정보, 연구개발 및 간행물·통계 정보를 제공합니다.

www.kdca.go.kr

 

[Commonground]

Early flu outbreak pushes Korea to accelerate vaccinations​

• Published 2026.09.16 16:22

The government is moving up influenza vaccinations for children and older adults as this year's flu outbreak begins earlier than usual and vaccine supplies tighten.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said Wednesday it revised the schedule for the 2026-2027 seasonal influenza National Immunization Program (NIP) after issuing a flu epidemic advisory last Friday.

The agency said it adjusted the schedule after considering the current outbreak and its outlook, vaccine supplies, medical needs and healthcare providers’ readiness. The decision followed a review by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and consultations with medical groups and local governments.

-snip-
The KDCA and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety advanced lot-release approvals by about two weeks from the original schedule, but supplying sufficient quantities before the NIP begins remains challenging.

출처 : Korea Biomedical Review(https://www.koreabiomed.com)

 

[Commonground]

National Flu Vaccination Begins Today Amid Early Epidemic; Starting with Children and Pregnant Women​

Published Mon Sep 21 13:36:00 KST 2026
As an earlier-than-usual influenza outbreak continues, the national flu vaccination program began today, starting with children and pregnant women.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the national flu vaccination program kicks off today, September 21, for children aged 6 months to 14 years and pregnant women, followed by adults aged 65 and older next month.

-snip-
Recently, the number of suspected flu patients has reached 4.6 times that of the same period last year.

National Flu Vaccination Begins Today Amid Early Epidemic; Starting with Children and Pregnant Women

As an earlier-than-usual influenza outbreak continues, the national flu vaccination program began today, starting with children and pregnant women.

news.sbs.co.kr

 

[Commonground]

Early Flu Outbreak Shifts Demand to Ibuprofen-Based Cold Remedies as Hanmi Leads Market​

09/25/2026
Pharmacy reorders surge for MaxiBufen combination soft capsules, offering targeted anti-inflammatory relief over traditional acetaminophen options.

With wide daily temperature fluctuations causing seasonal influenza to spread nearly a month earlier than usual in South Korea, pharmacies are seeing a noticeable shift in consumer demand toward next-generation cold remedies

... https://hi.kormedi.com/en-us/articles/2868956

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