Ministry of Health and Welfare: The number of doctor visits for influenza-like illness hit the highest level in the same period in 10 years, and the epidemic will gradually decrease after reaching its peak

2026/09/24 13:06

The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that the number of hospital visits for influenza-like illnesses during this wave was the highest in the same period in 10 years. However, the epidemic level last week reached the highest point of this wave and will gradually decrease in the future. It is estimated that the overall influenza epidemic period may last until November. (Photo by reporter Zhong Lihua)

[Reporter Zhong Lihua/Report from Taipei] The Ministry of Health and Welfare will report on the "Resilient Epidemic Prevention Safety Network Information Base Plan and Influenza Epidemic Prevention and Control Actions" at the Executive Yuan today (24th). The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that the number of influenza-like hospital visits this time is the highest in the same period in 10 years. However, the epidemic situation has leveled off last week, reaching the highest point of this wave, and will gradually decrease in the future. It is estimated that the overall influenza epidemic period may last until November.

Executive President Zhuo Yongtai said at the meeting that in response to the peak period of influenza, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has collaborated with local governments to closely monitor the development of the epidemic, reserve and purchase sufficient drugs and vaccines, and promote publicly funded influenza vaccination operations since October 1. In addition to promoting the dual vaccination strategy of "Left and Right" and "Protect the Lungs and Care for the Heart", it also introduced for the first time a "boosted influenza vaccine" specially designed for the elderly in long-term care institutions. We hope that Chinese people will cooperate with the publicity and participate in the vaccination operation to put themselves and their families at ease.

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Zhuo Kui pointed out that although the influenza epidemic has reached its peak and will gradually decline in the future, the epidemic period of influenza may be extended to November. He also asked Chinese people to pay more attention to their physical condition.

Zhuo Kuei requested the Ministry of Health and Welfare to strengthen risk communication and health education propaganda in conjunction with the "Health Coin" policy, in order to provide dual protection from influenza and COVID-19 to high-risk groups to reduce the risk of severe complications and death. In addition, the Ministry of Health and Welfare was requested to supervise the implementation of influenza epidemic prevention measures in educational and daycare institutions, and schools at all levels were requested to fully cooperate with the in-school vaccination of publicly funded influenza vaccines to jointly maintain the health of teachers and students and the safety of campus epidemic prevention.