TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday that domestic influenza activity has begun to increase and is expected to enter the epidemic phase in about two weeks, with a peak likely around Lunar New Year.

CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center Director Kuo Hung-wei (郭宏偉) said that from Jan. 4-10, there were 91,842 outpatient and emergency visits for influenza-like illness, up 9.6% from the previous week, per CNA. From Jan. 6-12, 23 new severe influenza cases and three deaths were reported.

Kuo said influenza viruses are the main respiratory pathogens currently circulating, with A (H3N2) accounting for the majority of cases. Since the start of the flu season in October, 441 severe cases and 86 deaths have been recorded, with people aged 65 and older accounting for 64% of severe cases and those with underlying chronic conditions making up 83%.

CDC Spokesperson Lin Ming-cheng (林明誠) said signs of a rebound in flu activity are evident, with the epidemic phase expected to begin in two weeks and peak around the Lunar New Year. However, the peak is expected to be lower than the previous flu season’s high.

As of Monday, about 6.65 million people had received publicly funded influenza vaccinations nationwide, with approximately 179,000 doses remaining. COVID vaccinations totaled about 1.6 million doses, including around 41,000 Novavax shots.

Lin said domestic COVID transmission is currently low and global activity remains subdued, though cases are rising slightly in China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. High-risk individuals are urged to get vaccinated promptly.