First `Shanghai Flu Reported
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
This year's first case of a strain of flu known as the ``B/Shanghai/361/2002'' virus was reported at the end of last month, three weeks earlier than previous years. The government asked people to get vaccinations to prevent an epidemic.
The Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday a 53-year-old woman in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, was diagnosed with the virus on Oct. 25. However, it added that the number of reported patients is below the average for a normal year.
Flu usually brings high fever, head and muscle aches. Some children vomit or suffer from diarrhea.
The disease control center said vaccination was effective for prevention and recommended those over 60 years or suffering from chronic disease such as diabetes to be inoculated at nearby medical centers.
People working with birds, infants from six to 23 months old, pregnant women, and those between 50 and 64 years old are also advised to get protection.
The influenza is transmitted through air and body contact with the virus. The center also advised people to wash their hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing and to brush their teeth as often as possible. It asked people to avoid crowded or unhygienic places, where the chances of contracting the virus are higher.