Flu Watch: Taiwan’s CDC expects the influenza epidemic to peak this week, with outpatient and emergency visits for flu-like illness hitting about 140,000–150,000, then easing after mid-October as the publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccination program ramps up. Vaccine Incentives: To boost uptake, Taiwan launched a “Health Coin” cash-reward program tied to virtual coins for vaccinations and checkups, with tens of thousands already registering within an hour. Food Safety Incident: In Taipei, 14 junior high students were hospitalized after eating tung nuts; 13 were expected to be discharged the same day, while one student remained under observation. Workplace Health Policy: A government proposal would introduce menstrual leave for female civil service employees, framing period-related health needs as a labor-rights issue. Consumer Protection: Taiwan’s TFDA fined a probiotic seller NT$4.02 million this year over repeated ads falsely claiming it could “reverse kidney disease,” and referred the product’s endorser for disciplinary action. Mental Health & Youth: A survey found 35% of junior and senior high students report appearance anxiety, with girls nearly twice as likely as boys; some said they’d consider cosmetic procedures or even GLP-1 injections. Public Health Tech: Taiwan Expo USA 2026 highlighted health and rehabilitation tech, including body composition analysis and indoor cycling with built-in incline, as part of a wellness-focused “Galaxy Amusement Park” theme.