{
  "id": 10608829,
  "title": "Red ginseng gains attention for immune health amid flu surge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/red-ginseng-gains-attention-for-immune-health-amid-flu-surge",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T04:47:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/tech-science/20260929/red-ginseng-gains-attention-for-immune-health-amid-flu-surge"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the flu outbreak begins earlier than expected this year, there is a growing market interest in immune health products, particularly red ginseng. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there were 25.3 cases of influenza-like illnesses per 1,000 outpatients in the first week of September, nearly double the epidemic threshold of 12.9 and a significant increase from 13.3 in late August. COVID-19 is also on the rise, with 193 patients hospitalized during the same period, more than triple the number from four weeks prior. While the government issued a flu advisory on October 17 last year, this year it was issued on September 11 and the vaccination program began on September 21. In light of these health concerns, consumers are increasingly interested in preventive care measures, with red ginseng being one of the products gaining attention. Red ginseng has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for its potential health benefits, including seven identified possible advantages.",
  "summary": "With the flu spreading earlier than usual this year, market interest is growing in products that may help support immune health, including red ginseng. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of patients with influenza-like illnesses reached 25.3 per 1,000 outpatients during the first week of September. This is nearly double the epidemic threshold of 12.9 and up…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "The sudden surge in flu cases and rising COVID-19 hospitalizations is driving consumer interest in immune health products like red ginseng, which has been officially recognized for its potential health benefits.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Red ginseng gains attention for immune health amid flu surge",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/red-ginseng-gains-attention-for-immune-health-amid-flu-surge-10612392",
        "published": "2026-09-29T05:12:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}