Statistics released by Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control under the health ministry on the 22nd showed more than 140,000 outpatient and emergency visits for influenza-like illness in a single week. Over the same period there were 165 new severe cases and 30 deaths, both the highest of the season.

Cumulative figures for the season stand at 1,586 severe cases and 304 deaths. Between August 30 and September 5 there were 105 severe cases and 19 deaths; between September 8 and 14, 92 severe cases and 21 deaths, the highest death toll for the equivalent period in five years.

Among severe cases, 65.8 percent were aged 65 or older and 83.2 percent had a history of chronic illness. Of those with severe illness, 67.8 percent had not received this season's influenza vaccine.

The agency expects the wave to peak around the Mid-Autumn Festival and has extended the period for expanded use of publicly funded antiviral drugs to October 31.

When Holiday Travel Meets Infection

The Mid-Autumn holiday brings more movement between generations and more indoor gatherings. Family gatherings dense with older people and those with chronic conditions overlap with the conditions for spread, which is why health authorities keep urging vaccination before the holiday and early care when symptoms appear.

The high share of unvaccinated patients is another feature of the figures. Coverage varies each year with how campaigns are run and how convenient vaccination is, and the travel burden on older people and the accessibility of vaccination sites are repeatedly cited as real variables.

For Families Moving Between Korea and Taiwan

For Chinese families who travel between Korea, Taiwan and China each holiday, conditions in both places are variables. Exposure continues on aircraft, in airports and in large indoor venues, and access to care differs at the destination. Vaccination before the trip, a stocked medicine bag and checking local care procedures in advance are the practical preparations.