Doha:Access to publicly funded influenza antiviral drugs in Taiwan has been extended from October 31 to November 15 due to ongoing epidemic levels of flu activity, as announced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

According to Focus Taiwan, the CDC's measure allows individuals in specific high-transmission groups who show flu-like symptoms to receive publicly funded Tamiflu and Eraflu. These groups encompass infection-control personnel at medical institutions, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, childcare workers and nannies, as well as students from preschool to senior high school. Also included are those living with or caring for high-risk individuals, livestock and poultry farm workers, zoo personnel, and veterinary quarantine personnel.

CDC spokesperson Lin Min-cheng noted that this marks the second extension of the eligibility period for these drugs. Despite a gradual easing, flu activity continues at epidemic levels. Recent CDC data reveals that from October 11 to 17, there were 123,820 outpatient and emergency visits for flu-like illnesses, a 5.4 percent decrease from the previous week, along with 159 new severe flu cases and 44 deaths reported between October 13 and 19.

The CDC advises individuals with warning symptoms such as shortness of breath, labored breathing, bluish skin or lips, bloody sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, or low blood pressure to seek immediate medical care. They also emphasized that these antiviral drugs are not included in Taiwan's National Health Insurance, and physicians will decide on prescriptions based on patient conditions. The public is encouraged to uphold good hygiene practices, such as hand washing, proper cough etiquette, and mask-wearing when experiencing respiratory symptoms.