Dr. Shin Se-kwon, director of the Busan Eastern Health Checkup Center at the Korea Health Care Association, emphasized the gravity of the disease. “Influenza is not just a common cold—it can lead to serious complications,” he said. “Proactive vaccination not only protects individual health but also plays a critical role in building community immunity.”
Influenza: A Serious Threat Beyond the Common Cold
Influenza, caused by the influenza virus, is a highly contagious respiratory illness marked by high fever, muscle aches, headaches, and profound fatigue. The virus’s strains vary annually, and its strong transmissibility allows it to spread rapidly nationwide. Teenagers, often grappling with academic stress and irregular lifestyles, are particularly susceptible due to weakened immune systems. In South Korea, the number of teenage flu cases surged from roughly 6,500 in early November 2024 to over 280,000 by December.
Adults in their 30s face similar risks, driven by demanding social schedules and, for many, the responsibilities of caring for young children. Dr. Shin noted that this age group often overlooks vaccination, resulting in lower immunization rates. “Their active lifestyles and exposure to environments that compromise immunity make vaccination essential,” he said.
Vaccination: A Shield for Individuals and Communities
Flu vaccines in South Korea primarily include trivalent vaccines, targeting two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B, though quadrivalent vaccines, which also cover the influenza B Yamagata strain, are available. Following World Health Organization recommendations, the trivalent vaccine has become the standard in South Korea. Vaccination typically generates protective antibodies within two weeks,
offering 70% to 90% efficacy in healthy adults.
While mild side effects, such as localized pain or muscle aches, may occur, Dr. Shin stressed that the benefits far outweigh the risks. “The potential for complications from influenza is significantly higher than the minor discomfort of vaccination,” he said, adding that rare allergic reactions should prompt consultation with a healthcare provider. For optimal protection, experts recommend completing vaccination between October and November, ahead of the peak flu season.
In South Korea, where communal living and dense urban environments amplify disease transmission, timely vaccination is especially critical. This cultural context, marked by close-knit school settings for teens and bustling workplaces for adults, mirrors urban challenges in cities like New York or London, making the call for vaccination universally relevant.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
