Taipei: Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on Tuesday the extension of its free influenza medication program for eligible groups until November 15.

According to Focus Taiwan, the decision comes as Taiwan recorded 110,442 influenza-related medical visits from October 19-25, marking a 15.6 percent decrease from the previous week. Despite this decline, CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center Deputy Director Lee Chia-lin noted in a routine news briefing in Taipei that 38 new severe flu cases and 13 new deaths were reported between October 21-27. Flu-related visits to emergency rooms accounted for 11.4 percent of all visits, indicating that the outbreak is still in its peak period.

CDC physician Lin Yung-ching reported that the youngest of the new flu-related deaths was a 9-year-old boy from central Taiwan who had no underlying health conditions. The boy had received a flu vaccine in October of the previous year but fell ill in September. He developed leg pain and persistent fever, along with chills, vomiting, cough, and a runny nose before being hospitalized at the end of that month. A rapid flu test confirmed he had contracted the influenza A virus. His condition deteriorated in the hospital, leading to his death in late October from severe complications.

CDC Director-General Lo Yi-chun stated that although flu cases are declining, the epidemic might not fully subside until mid-November. Therefore, the government has decided to extend the free medication program, initially scheduled from October 1 to October 31, to continue until November 15. The program is available to seniors aged 65 and over, individuals with high-risk or chronic diseases, employees at child care or long-term care facilities, and health care and disease-control personnel.

Lo also mentioned that influenza typically surges during the winter season, particularly in late December or January, and tends to be more severe than autumn cases. Colder weather can exacerbate chronic conditions in older adults alongside the flu. As a preventive measure, Lo urged people to take advantage of the free vaccination program and get vaccinated as soon as possible.