Temperature Gap Setting Off Flu Fears
By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter
Fears of type-A influenza are spreading as the daily temperature gap widens, sometimes exceeding 10 degrees Celsius.
The gap is likely to weaken the immune system, leaving the body more vulnerable to viruses, colds and other ailments stemming from a weakened immune system, according to experts.
In the central part of the Korean Peninsula, the temperature recorded 13 to 21 degrees C Tuesday morning, while it surged to 25 to 30 degrees C in the afternoon, the weather agency said.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said that Seoul recorded a difference of 12 degrees C between the highest and lowest temperatures Monday.
The difference, a result of high atmospheric pressure, has been a routine phenomenon since last weekend.
"We are expecting to see similar weather conditions until early next week," a KMA official said.
Meanwhile, the Health, Welfare and Family Affairs announced that 1,796 people are undergoing treatment for infection with the influenza A virus (H1N1) as of Monday.
Three Koreans have died from the virus since the first case was detected May 2. A total of 4,293 have been infected so far.
"We will carefully consider the speed of the infection, the affected population and region and other elements before deciding to raise the alert level for the virus," Health Minister Jeon Jae-hee said Tuesday.
The government decided to issue an order to close all schools in case the alert level is raised.
Some 930 students have contracted the disease at 400 schools, with 19 being closed.
In the worst case scenario, Korea projected the flu might cause up to 20,000 deaths.
Prime Minister Han Seung-soo instructed the central and provincial governments Tuesday to exert all efforts to minimize infections through early diagnosis and timely vaccination.
Korea will spend an extra 110 billion won ($88 million) to secure 10 million doses of vaccine for the influenza A virus this year.
In light of the increased flu fears, Koreans are employing self-prevention measures.
Thermometer sales at Lotte Mart went up 730 percent in the 15 days from Aug. 15 compared to the same period of time from July 26. Similarly, demand for hand-washing products has been on the rise, while many people are seeking pneumonia checkups.
To avoid virus contraction, experts stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, fixed sleeping hours and a balanced diet to maintain the vitality of the immune system.