Domestic COVID-19 and influenza are both on the rise. Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the number of new moderate to severe COVID-19 cases has hit a four-month high, with the number of doctor visits for influenza-like symptoms approaching 110,000 in a single week.
Due to activities such as New Year’s gatherings, political rallies, and the upcoming elections and spring festival, the CDC estimates that COVID-19 and influenza statistics will peak in mid-to-late January.
National Taiwan University Children's Hospital pediatrician Li-Min Huang (黃立民) predicts that the flu epidemic will lessen quickly by February. However, he continues to say that though COVID cases are likely to decrease from March, it will heat up again soon with the emergence of new mutant strains. Huang warns that if you are infected with both viruses at the same time, the risk of severe illness will increase by 20 to 30% compared to a single infection.
The CDC advises the public to continue caution, masking and avoiding crowded spaces when possible.