Flu cases are increasing

Epidemiologist Alexandru Rafila, who is a specialist within the Ministry of Health, says that a high number of flu cases is normal in the cold season.

"An alert level should be maintained and in Moldova, where outbreaks are expected, the public health authorities are required to monitor the situation and try to establish some measures to prevent the spreading of the flu, especially in schools and local health units."

"In cases of flu infection antibiotics are not to be administered, and if the infection presents a more severe evolution, the doctor may recommend specific antiviral medicine for flu infection", Alexandru Rafila stated.

He claims that all these herbal products that are administered on different occasions do not solve the problem, does not influence the evolution of the infection, but may produce an improvement in the patient’s symptoms.

According to the Ministry of Health, the most affected counties are Iasi, Arad, Hunedoara, Prahova and Bucharest.

Patients present different symptoms

Sandra Alexiu, a family doctor, says that this year compared to previous ones, when the the elderly were most affected, this year children and young people seem more vulnerable, and that the virus has changed its symptoms.

"There have been cases with flu-like symptoms and I noticed that this virus has tropism on the lower tract or rather more on the larynx, trachea and large bronchi, and this is very common in young people and children. I have had fewer older patients than in previous years", Sandra Alexiu stated.

Sorina Chiţi, another family doctor, confirmed that now patients present different symptoms than they did in previous years.

"This year there have not been cases of very high fever, as there used to be in other years. However, the symptoms of expectorant cough which disturb patients at night have increased. I believe that pollution is probably an important factor that influences this, and also stress, a weak immunity system, smoking", Sorina Chiţi stated.

The Ministry of Health points out that the best protection is a flu shot, and it can still be taken until the end of February, but personal hygiene also remains a very important factor for preventing flu infection.

Washing your hands, using disposable handkerchiefs, avoiding crowded areas and appropriate clothing for this period are simple and necessary conditions to avoid getting infected with the flu virus.

Translated by: Iris Butnariu
MTTLC, Bucharest University