Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) urged people to get vaccinated and follow respiratory infection prevention guidelines to prevent the spread of influenza and COVID-19 ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. As the number of (pseudo)influenza patients has increased to the highest level since 2016, the city emphasized the need for thorough personal hygiene management and prompt vaccination.
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[Korean Today] Goyang City urges influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday © Reporter Seung-ju Ji |
Influenza epidemic status
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of influenza (pseudo)patients increased by 35% from the previous week to 99.8 in the first week of 2025 (December 29 to January 4), recording the highest number since 2016. Influenza is mainly transmitted through droplets and is likely to spread rapidly in group living spaces such as schools and infection-vulnerable facilities.
Respiratory Infection Prevention Guidelines
Goyang City emphasized compliance with the following five major preventive measures to prevent influenza and respiratory infections.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing
Proper hand washing practice
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Ventilate indoors frequently (at least 3 times a day, for at least 10 minutes each time)
If you have fever or respiratory symptoms, visit a medical institution and receive appropriate treatment.
The poem emphasized that vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, especially citing the similarities between the influenza A virus that is prevalent this season and the vaccine. It takes about two weeks for antibodies to form after vaccination, and the immune effect lasts for three to six months, allowing you to prepare for the spring epidemic.
The importance of vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine also has the ability to form immunity against the currently prevalent variants, so vaccination can reduce the risk of severe symptoms, complications, hospitalization, and death. City officials said, “If you get vaccinated, there is a high possibility that your symptoms will be mild even if you get influenza or COVID-19.”
Request for vaccination before Lunar New Year holiday
Goyang City urged unvaccinated people to get vaccinated quickly in preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday when people are expected to move around more. In particular, they emphasized that if respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat appear, they should visit a medical institution immediately, and that they should thoroughly wash their hands and practice cough etiquette.
Efforts to protect citizens’ health
City officials said, “This year, respiratory infectious diseases including influenza are prevalent nationwide, so it is more important than ever to protect your health through thorough personal hygiene management and vaccinations,” adding, “Goyang City will do its best to prevent and contain infectious diseases so that citizens can enjoy a safe Seollal holiday.”
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