People wait to receive COVID-19 tests at a screening center in Seocho District, Seoul, Tuesday. Newsis
Vulnerable groups advised to receive both flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines
By Lee Hyo-jin
A "twindemic" ― a severe flu season occurring at the same time as an increase in coronavirus cases, possibly overwhelming healthcare systems ― is likely to occur in Korea this coming flu season, according to local medical experts, amounting to a worrisome scenario.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a family of viruses that infect the nose, throat and even lungs in serious cases. Common symptoms of the illness include a high fever, cough and sore throat.
Each year, the country grapples with a flu season which usually begins at the end of November, reaches its peak in December and lasts until as late as April.
It is not the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020 that experts have warned about a possible twindemic.
But Korea has so far avoided such a double whammy of viral infections. Thanks to COVID-19-induced measures such as required face masks, social distancing rules, enhanced personal hygiene and working from home, the flu seasons of 2021 and 2020 were unusually mild.
However, this year is likely to be different, experts warn.
