Nov 19, 2025 Minseo Kim share.upmc.com An unusually early influenza wave has pushed patient numbers up sharply at clinics across South Korea, health officials report. Surveillance figures show about 22.8 suspected flu cases per 1,000 outpatient visits in late October — roughly a 67% rise from the previous week and well above the typical epidemic threshold of 9.1. The surge began nearly two months ahead of the usual pattern, catching communities off guard. School-aged children