Taiwan’s publicly funded flu vaccination program begins Oct. 1 for high-risk groups, including seniors over 65, young children, pregnant women, and healthcare workers. Starting Nov. 1, eligibility expands to adults aged 50–64.
TAIPEI — Taiwan is expected to officially enter flu season as early as this week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said on Sept. 16, citing surveillance data.
The Liberty Times reported on a Sept. 17 Facebook post by Lee Wei-hsin (李韋辛), an infectious disease physician at Jia Yi Clinic. Dr Lee said that a rapid flu test for one of his patients showed three lines — a result that could indicate simultaneous infection with both influenza A and B strains, which studies suggest occur in about 0.6% to 3% of flu patients during peak season.
The only way to confirm such a case, say experts, would be through PCR testing, which is not available in local clinics. Lee, who runs the Facebook page “Lin Yuan Coastal Infectious Disease Doctor Lee Wei-hsin” (林園海邊感染醫 李韋辛醫師), said Taiwan previously documented a case of combined H3N2 and influenza B infection during the 2016-2017 flu season. False positives have also been reported, potentially due to antigen cross-reaction or sample contamination.
Whether co-infection leads to more severe illness remains unclear due to limited cases and studies, Lee said. He added that treatment for dual infections is the same as for single infections, with no special drugs or higher antiviral doses required.
Lee stressed that contracting one flu strain does not protect against the other, urging vaccination as the best preventive measure.
