BANGKOK, THAILAND – A severe flu epidemic gripped Thailand, with more than 940,000 infections and 100 deaths reported nationwide.
Rising toll across ages
The youngest victim was just 12 months old, while the oldest was 95.
“Mortality statistics show that older people are the most vulnerable,”
said Airin Phanrit, government spokesperson. In October alone, 208,443 flu cases were recorded, and although numbers had begun to edge down, cluster outbreaks continued in prisons and schools.
Children hit hard as risk persists
Children aged between five and nine years were particularly affected, and authorities warned that the danger was not yet over. The cool season would normally have slowed the spread of influenza, but persistent rainfall helped keep case numbers elevated.
Aggressive A/H3N2 strain dominates
“The number of patients testing positive has been high for several months,”
said Professor Dr. Ekasit Kowitdamrong. The A/H3N2 virus accounted for 76% of all recorded cases and was described as aggressive, spreading very rapidly.
How people were urged to protect themselves
Experts agreed that people should avoid crowds and wash their hands regularly. They advised wearing a mask in poorly ventilated indoor spaces and strengthening the immune system with sufficient sleep and exercise.
“The vaccination may not offer complete protection, but it alleviates the symptoms,”
said the pediatrician, who reported vaccinating his own family.
Free vaccination for high-risk groups
The Thai government moved to respond, making free flu vaccinations available to risk groups. Since 3 November, this had also applied to children aged from six months to five years; previously, free shots had been limited to those up to two years old.
“The expansion requires 1.4 million additional vaccine doses,”
said Health Minister Pattana Promphat, adding that the program cost 128.1 million baht.
Lives and economic costs at stake
Of the 100 people who died, 94 had not been vaccinated, underlining the life-saving potential of the campaign. Flu-related absences from work were estimated to cost the economy about 399 million baht per year. By expanding vaccination, the government expected to save around 54 million baht in hospital costs, presenting it as a sound investment in public health.
Authorities call for annual vaccination
Authorities appealed to all eligible people to take up the free vaccination offer each year. Seniors, people with chronic illnesses and young children were urged in particular to seek protection. Officials stressed that the flu wave was not yet over and called on the public to shield themselves and their families before it was too late.