TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan reported a nearly 12% weekly increase in influenza, with health authorities warning that cases could continue to rise ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.

The Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday there were 104,348 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illness last week, an increase of 11.9% from the previous week, per a press release.

Laboratory data show influenza viruses remain the dominant respiratory pathogens circulating in the community. Influenza A (H3N2) is the most common strain, followed by influenza B and untyped influenza A, the CDC said. Authorities also reported 17 new cases of severe influenza complications and two deaths, both linked to H3N2 infections.

As of Monday, about 6.676 million doses of publicly funded influenza vaccines had been administered nationwide, with roughly 152,000 doses remaining. With increased travel and gatherings expected during the Lunar New Year, the CDC urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated, noting it takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop sufficient protection.

The CDC also warned travelers that global influenza activity remains high. Neighboring countries and regions, including Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, are experiencing elevated influenza levels. H3N2 is the dominant strain globally, while both H3N2 and H1N1 are circulating in Central and South America. In Africa, H1N1 is the predominant strain.

To ensure timely treatment, the CDC said it has expanded eligibility for publicly funded influenza antiviral drugs from Tuesday through Feb. 28. Patients deemed eligible by physicians can receive antivirals without rapid testing.

While influenza activity is rising, the CDC said domestic COVID cases have remained stable. In the second week of January, there were 1,072 outpatient and emergency room visits related to COVID, virtually unchanged from the previous week. One new local case of severe COVID complications was reported, with no new domestic deaths.

The cumulative number of COVID vaccine doses administered in Taiwan has reached about 1.616 million, including approximately 43,000 doses of the Novavax vaccine.

Globally, COVID-19 positivity rates have recently increased, particularly in the Americas and Europe. Nearby regions, such as Hong Kong, Japan, and the Philippines, have also seen a rise in case numbers, while China and South Korea have reported declines.

The most prevalent COVID-19 variant worldwide is currently XFG, followed by NB.1.8.1. Neighboring countries and regions, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, have a high proportion of NB.1.8.1 cases, the CDC said.

The CDC reminded the public that sharp day-to-night temperature changes, the ongoing respiratory disease season, and year-end gatherings can contribute to the spread of influenza and COVID-19. It urged people to stay up to date with vaccinations and maintain good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing, wearing masks in crowded places, and proper cough etiquette.

Anyone experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or altered consciousness should seek medical attention and follow physicians’ instructions to reduce the risk of serious illness.