Medical experts warn of a potential surge in respiratory infections as Taiwan experiences a simultaneous outbreak of multiple viruses amid dropping temperatures. Dr. Huang Yu-cheng (黃玉成) from Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital reported on Wednesday that the decrease in mask-wearing among the public may be contributing to rising infection rates.
According to the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC), influenza remains the most prevalent virus among patients with flu-like symptoms, followed by adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In 2024, about six to seven respiratory viruses have been actively circulating, including human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs), COVID-19, and those caused by mycoplasma. The number of severe flu cases this year has significantly exceeded figures from previous years during the pandemic, with flu-related deaths reaching a 10-year high.
Dr. Huang says that mask usage has dropped from 70-80% earlier this year to approximately 50% in recent months. To combat these respiratory viruses, he recommends getting vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal disease, while also maintaining good personal hygiene practices, and getting sufficient sleep to boost the immune system.