South Korea faces twindemics of influenza and COVID-19

South Korea is experiencing a ‘twindemic’ as influenza and COVID-19 circulate simultaneously. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, recent data shows an increase in the influenza virus detection rate to 28.0% and a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Medical experts, including Professor Kim Seo-woo of Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, note that the two diseases are difficult to distinguish due to similar initial symptoms such as high fever, cough, and sore throat. While influenza tends to manifest systemic symptoms rapidly, COVID-19 may involve loss of taste or smell and a slower progression toward respiratory issues.

Health officials recommend seeking medical attention within 48 hours of fever onset to maximize the effectiveness of antiviral treatments. Vaccination for both diseases is strongly encouraged, and experts confirm that both vaccines can be administered simultaneously without compromising safety or efficacy.