Descriptive comparison of COVID-19 and influenza in Asia-Pacific in 2024-2025

초록

Reduced COVID-19 surveillance and control measures have contributed to perceptions of diminished disease severity. To contextualise post-pandemic regional activity in Asia-Pacific, publicly available COVID-19 and influenza data were reviewed across Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore (July 2024-June 2025) and Taiwan (September 2024-June 2025). National and sentinel systems reporting laboratory-confirmed infections, hospitalisations, severe or fatal cases were identified. Annual counts were summarised using country-specific definitions. Surveillance approaches and indicators varied across jurisdictions and pathogens; results are presented descriptively. Across settings, both viruses were associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 mortality exceeded influenza in Australia (2981 vs 1041), and hospitalisations were higher in Korea (11,786 vs 8740). In Hong Kong, severe and fatal influenza cases exceeded COVID-19 (899 vs 468), despite similar case counts (13,941 vs 14,977). Japan, Singapore and Taiwan showed comparable activity. Results indicate continued co-circulation of COVID-19 and influenza. Harmonised surveillance and definitions are needed to improve disease monitoring and guide prevention strategies.

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