TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday that influenza-related outpatient and emergency department visits from Oct. 12–18 totaled 128,915, a 7.8% decrease from the previous week.

Despite the decline, the CDC warned flu activity could rise over the upcoming long weekend as people travel and gather for meals. Officials urged the public to maintain good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, proper cough etiquette, and wearing masks when experiencing symptoms such as fever or cough. Those who are ill should rest at home, the agency said.

Individuals with severe flu symptoms — including shortness of breath, chest pain, blood in sputum, or low blood pressure — are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

As of Oct. 20, 3.19 million doses of publicly funded flu vaccine had been administered nationwide, along with 781,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses, roughly 1.4 times higher than during the same period last year, according to the CDC. The agency reminded the public that vaccines take about two weeks to provide full protection and encouraged people to get both influenza and COVID-19 shots as soon as possible.

From Oct. 1–31, eligibility for publicly funded influenza antivirals has been expanded. Physicians may now prescribe the medication without requiring a rapid flu screening test if the patient meets certain criteria.

The CDC said flu activity in Taiwan remains at an epidemic stage. Laboratory data show A(H3N2) is currently the dominant strain, followed by A(H1N1) and type B. Neighboring countries, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia, have also reported rising flu activity, while positivity rates in southern China and Hong Kong have increased, with A(H3N2) predominant.

Taiwan’s COVID-19 situation remains under control, with 1,792 outpatient and emergency visits recorded last week, a 5.8% increase from the previous week. The NB.1.8.1 variant remains dominant locally. Globally, the XFG variant is the most prevalent, while NB.1.8.1 is common across China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea.

With the arrival of the northeasterly monsoon and fluctuating temperatures, the CDC warned that respiratory viruses could spread more easily. High-risk groups — including the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses — are urged to complete both influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce the risk of severe illness or death.

This year, about 4,400 hospitals and clinics are participating in the national vaccination program. The public can find participating locations through the CDC’s online vaccine map.