Jiang Wanan fell ill and canceled the trip. The flu did not leave the venue. Three tips to prevent the epidemic before the election.

Luo Yijun, director of the Department of Disease Control and Prevention, said that the number of hospital visits in the first three days of this week dropped by 17% compared with the same period last week. If the proportion of emergency flu-like visits falls below the epidemic threshold of 11% for two consecutive weeks, it is expected that the influenza epidemic period will be declared as early as next week. However, those who are eligible for influenza vaccination should still get vaccinated as soon as possible. (Photo by reporter Luo Bi)

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wanan was unwell and canceled his trip, and epidemic prevention during the election campaign also attracted attention. Director of Disease Control and Prevention Luo Yijun reminded today (30th) that although the influenza epidemic is coming to an end, the virus is still active. When participating in activities such as campaigning and street sweeping, you should master the three tips of "vaccinating, washing hands frequently, and wearing a mask." Especially those who are frail, chronically ill, and the elderly must take good protection.

Luo Yijun said that the number of influenza doctor visits in the first three days of this week dropped by 17% compared with the same period last week. It is estimated that the proportion of emergency department influenza-like visits this week can be lower than the epidemic threshold of 11%; if it is lower than the threshold for two consecutive weeks, it is expected that the epidemic period can be declared as early as next week, that is, the week of November 9 to 15.

Luo Yijun attended the new book launch conference of "Dr. Lin Zhaotang's Returning Life" today. In an interview before the conference, he pointed out that among the current respiratory virus isolation results in the community, influenza virus still accounts for nearly half, as well as respiratory cell fusion virus (RSV), adenovirus, etc., and the public still cannot ignore the risk of infection.

Regarding whether pre-election campaigning, street sweeping and other activities may increase the epidemic, Luo Yijun said that crowd gatherings do easily promote the spread of respiratory viruses. However, considering that the new crown epidemic has passed in August and the autumn influenza epidemic is coming to an end, it is currently estimated that the November election activities will not have a significant impact on the epidemic.

However, he reminded that people who are weak, have chronic diseases or are elderly are advised to wear masks when entering crowded places or attending gatherings to reduce the risk of respiratory viruses. Hand hygiene should also be implemented after touching doorknobs and handrails in public places or using the restroom.

In addition to wearing masks and washing hands frequently, people who have not yet been vaccinated should also get vaccinated as soon as possible. The second phase of publicly funded influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be launched on November 2. Adults aged 50 to 64 years old without high-risk chronic diseases will be newly opened for vaccination, so that adults over 50 years old will be included in the publicly funded vaccination targets.

Luo Yijun called on eligible people to seize the opportunity to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 to enhance immune protection and reduce the risk of severe illness and death after infection.