Please be careful not to catch the flu. There is an influenza warning issued. And about 800 students were absent in December due to illness. Joseph Kim reports.

[slug]
Hospital in Jeju City

The waiting room of the hospital is full of patients.

Most of them have symptoms of cough and fever. They either have or are suspected of having the flu.

INTERVIEW
Yi Hyeong-seok / Flu patient
I have a headache, cough and runny nose. I've been absent from school since I was diagnosed with the flu.
<인터뷰 : 이형석/ 독감환자 >
"머리도 많이 어지럽고 기침과 콧물도 나고 그래서 학교를 2주 정도 못 갔어요. 독감 판정 받고..."

Recently , the number of patients visiting hospitals due to the flu has greatly increased.

[slug]
48.7 flu patients/1,000 outpatient

The number of patients who have or are suspected of having flu was 48.7 per 1,000 outpatient visits three weeks ago.

That number is over four times higher than the criteria judging a pandemic of 11.3.

[slug]
850 students absent from schools in December
More than 800 students were absent from schools.

[slug]
5 days of incubation period, 38°C+ high fever, muscle aches

The typical incubation period for influenza is one to five days after coming into contact with the influenza virus.

After the incubation period, symptoms of high fevers ranging from 38 degrees Celsius or higher and muscle aches develop.

[slug]
Flu can lead to pneumonia and other complications

The flu can lead to viral or bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, ear infections and sinus infections.

INTERVIEW
Oh Jeong-sang / Doctor, Jeju Hanmaeum Hospital
The flu causes headaches and a high-grade fever. If a child has a bad headache and cough this season, the child could have the flu.
<인터뷰 : 오정상/ 제주한마음병원 소아청소년과장>
"상당히 고열이 나면서 못 견뎌요. 특히 초등학생들이 머리 깨질 듯 아프고 기침이 심하게 동반되고 하면 체크해보면 거의 독감이에요."

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year.

[slug]
Flu vaccine recommended

The flu can be a pandemic in January, February and late spring. So people are advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Ko Moon-su

Experts also say healthy personal hygiene habits including hand washing, frequent housecleaning and higher humidity levels indoors between 40 and 60 percent help keep the flu away.

Joseph Kim, KCTV