The flu wave in Bulgaria is gaining strength as the holiday period approaches, with the type A (H3N2) strain emerging as the absolute dominant one this season. The Director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCID), Prof. Iva Hristova, warned of an expected serious increase in cases at the beginning of next year.
"Usually the peak is at the end of January, that is, we have about four weeks to increase. We expect a larger number of cases and even a shift of the peak to February, that is, a more severe wave," said Prof. Hristova in the program "Wake up" by NOVA.
The situation in the Pernik region is already worrying, with the region marking a record incidence of 240 per 100,000 people. This is twice the average for the rest of the country.
The data from the analyzed samples at the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention clearly show a predominance of the influenza virus type A (H3N2). Out of a total of 240 samples tested, 60 tested positive for influenza.
"Of these 60 positive samples, 54 are of the H3N2 type, while only 6 are H1N1", specified Prof. Hristova.
Experts are closely monitoring the situation, as sequencing of the samples is due after the holidays. The aim is to determine whether the specific H3N2 mutation, which caused a 50% jump in hospitalisations in the UK, has entered our country.
Travel and large family gatherings during Christmas and New Year create ideal conditions for the spread of the virus. The flu is characterised by an extremely rapid onset, severe fatigue and weakness, which sharply worsen the patient's condition.
"Let us wear masks on public transport, in intercity transport, and even on planes, at any larger gatherings", urged the director of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. She stressed that people with symptoms should stay home to limit the transmission of the infection and avoid complications.
The most vulnerable to the current flu strain are children under 5 years of age and people over 65, especially those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart failure.
Prof. Hristova recommended taking vitamin D, zinc and selenium to strengthen the immune system, but only after consulting a specialist. Regarding vaccination, she explained: "The vaccine does not mean that you will not get sick, but it means that it reduces the chance many times and in any case we will get through it more easily".
At the moment, the coronavirus has been pushed into the background by influenza viruses. Proven cases of COVID-19 are single and occur about 10 times less frequently than the flu.
For accurate diagnosis, Prof. Hristova recommended the use of PCR tests in the presence of typical symptoms and a negative rapid antigen test, as they are significantly more sensitive.
Source: www.dunavmost.com