The influenza pandemic advisory was lifted on Friday. However, due to the increase in Covid-19 infections in neighboring countries, there is a possibility of a summer Covid-19 outbreak in Korea, so it is necessary to continue to follow respiratory infection prevention measures, health authorities said.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said it would lift the influenza pandemic warning for the 2024-2025 season, which was issued on Dec. 20. However, it urged people to follow respiratory infectious disease prevention measures in their daily lives as the possibility of a summer Covid-19 outbreak remains.

During the influenza pandemic warning period, high-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, older adults aged 65 and over, immunocompromised people, and people with underlying medical conditions, were eligible for medical benefits when antiviral drugs (such as Tamiflu) were prescribed based on clinical symptoms alone.

However, once the warning is lifted, they will only be eligible for medical benefits if they have a positive influenza test (rapid antigen test or polymerase chain reaction).

“Although the flu pandemic warning has been lifted due to the recent decrease in outbreaks, there are growing concerns about the summer Covid-19 epidemic, given the increase in overseas Covid-19 outbreaks and the pattern of the epidemic in previous years,” KDCA Commissioner Jee Young-mee said.

To prevent respiratory infectious diseases, such as Covid-19, please follow preventive measures, including handwashing, cough etiquette, and wearing a mask when respiratory symptoms occur. If you have respiratory symptoms, like cough or fever, please visit a medical institution immediately for proper treatment, Jee added.