WHAT IS INFLUENZA (FLU)?

Flu is an acute respiratory infection caused by viruses and characterized by fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache and muscle pain, fatigue, and weakness. 

Flu virus spreads by airborne droplets, and people are highly susceptible to flu. The risk of infection is much higher in poorly ventilated rooms and dusty rooms. The incubation period for the flu is between 24-72 hours, usually 48 hours. Fever and respiratory syndromes last for 4-7 days, dry cough and fatigue persist for a week or two. The flu is also dangerous as it may cause severe complications such as pneumonia, eye inflammation, sinusitis, myocarditis, encephalitis, meningitis, etc.

Flu season lasts from the 40th week of the year to the 20th week of the following year. Epidemiological surveillance of flu is carried out in order to assess the incidence of flu and acute upper respiratory infections and the dynamics of morbidity, in order to identify prevailing and new influenza viruses, to forecast epidemics, and to apply infectious disease management measures in a timely manner.

The most effective measure against flu is vaccination. Persons belonging to risk groups are vaccinated annually with a seasonal flu vaccine financed by the State. 

Risk groups: 

• People aged 65 years and older persons. 
• People suffering from chronic diseases (cardiovascular, lung diseases, bronchial asthma, metabolic, kidney diseases, diabetes, persons with immunodeficiency).
• Health care workers. 
• People living in social care and nursing institutions. 
• Pregnant women.