{
  "id": 10612392,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T05:12:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "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 influenza cases surge earlier than expected this year, consumer interest is rising in products that may bolster immune health, with red ginseng emerging as a focal point. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported that influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 outpatients surged to 25.3 in the first week of September, surpassing the epidemic threshold of 12.9. This significant increase, more than double the previous week's figure of 13.3, underscores the severity of the flu season.\n\nComplicating the public health landscape, COVID-19 continues its spread concurrently with the flu outbreak. During the same period, 193 patients were hospitalized due to COVID-19, more than tripling the number from four weeks prior. The Korean government's response to the flu situation has been swift and proactive. In contrast to the late October advisory issued last year, this year's advisory was issued on September 11, with the vaccination program commencing on September 21.\n\nAmid these public health challenges, there is a growing consumer trend towards preventive care, encompassing not just vaccination but also products that promote immune health. Red ginseng, a well-known herbal remedy, has gained heightened attention in this regard. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has officially recognized red ginseng for seven potential health benefits, further fueling its popularity in the market.",
  "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": null,
  "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",
        "published": "2026-09-29T04:47:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}