Early Flu Wave Hits Clinics Hard
- Minseo Kim
- Nov 19
- 1 min read
Nov 19, 2025
Minseo Kim
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 are bearing the brunt: 7–12-year-olds registered roughly 68 suspected cases per 1,000 visits, the highest rate among age groups. Teachers and parents describe rapid spread within classrooms, raising fears of wider transmission.
Experts point to several contributing factors, including earlier-than-usual circulation of respiratory viruses, denser in-person interactions among children, and localized shortages of common antivirals. Some neighborhood pharmacies and clinics have reported tight supplies of medicines and, in a few areas, limited vaccine availability as demand spikes.
Public health authorities are calling on vulnerable populations — older adults, pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic conditions — to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Because immunization takes time to confer protection, officials warn that prompt action is important to reduce severe cases and hospital admissions. Local health centers are expanding vaccination access and tracking antiviral stocks to help blunt what could become a prolonged, early flu season.
