TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan health officials reported a continued rise in influenza activity, with weekly flu cases increasing 3.9% as the country remains in its epidemic season.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control said at a press conference Tuesday that there were 110,501 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses from Jan. 20 to 26, up 3.9% from the previous week, extending a recent upward trend.

During the same period, 14 new cases of severe influenza complications were reported, along with five deaths, all linked to the H3N2 strain. Laboratory surveillance showed H3N2 remained the predominant circulating virus, followed by H1N1.

The CDC said 63% of severe cases involved people aged 65 and older, while 83% had a history of chronic illness. Among those classified as severe cases, 87% had not received an influenza vaccine this season.

Globally, influenza activity continues to rise in South Korea, while many other countries and regions are reporting moderate to high levels of transmission. Several parts of Asia, Europe, North Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean are still recording high influenza positivity rates, the CDC said.

The CDC urged the public to strengthen preventive measures amid recent large temperature fluctuations, including frequent handwashing, proper cough etiquette, and wearing masks. People experiencing fever or cough are advised to rest at home, while those with warning signs such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or altered consciousness should seek immediate medical attention.

The CDC said influenza is in its epidemic season and announced expanded eligibility for publicly funded antiviral drugs from Jan. 20 to Feb. 28. Under the expanded criteria, patients who meet eligibility standards as determined by a physician may receive antiviral medication without undergoing rapid testing to ensure timely treatment.

Meanwhile, domestic COVID activity continued to ease. The CDC reported 1,018 outpatient and emergency room visits related to COVID last week, a 6.5% decrease from the previous week. Five new locally transmitted cases of severe COVID complications were recorded, with no new deaths.

Globally, COVID positivity rates have increased, particularly in Africa and the Western Pacific. In neighboring regions, Hong Kong has seen a slight uptick, while China, Japan, and South Korea have reported declining trends. Other countries, including the US, continue to see rising cases, and Chile’s outbreak has reached its peak.

The CDC said the XFG variant is currently the most prevalent strain worldwide, while neighboring countries and regions such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea have a high proportion of the NB.1.8.1 variant.

The agency reminded those who have not yet received a COVID vaccine this season to take advantage of the expanded vaccination period from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28. Reported adverse reactions to COVID vaccines in Taiwan have fallen to levels comparable to those of influenza vaccines, with no safety concerns requiring immediate action.

The CDC urged the public, particularly high-risk groups such as older adults and those with chronic illnesses, not to delay vaccination due to concerns about side effects and to get vaccinated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of severe complications.