Public urged to get seasonal flu shots amid surge of viruses
Cases for seasonal viruses are expected to reach their peak over the next two weeks, with the numbers set to decline in mid-March. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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Georgian healthcare authorities have called on the public to ensure they are vaccinated against seasonal flu amid increasing numbers of cases of various virus types across the country.
Imedi TV reported 12 types of seasonal viruses were currently circulating throughout the country, with a majority of cases related to influenza virus A.
Natia Tskhakaia, an emergency doctor at the Geo Hospitals in Tbilisi, on Thursday told the channel patients experiencing high body temperature, difficulty in breathing and drowsiness for two or three days should apply to hospitals.
Healthcare authorities have also recommended use of face masks in public spaces and urged the public to wash their hands frequently, contact family doctors in cases of flu symptoms and self-isolate to prevent the spread of viruses.
They have also called for “maximum caution” for those in the designated “risk groups” - including pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases and toddlers.
Cases for seasonal viruses are expected to reach their peak over the next two weeks, with the numbers set to decline in mid-March.
Wearing a face mask in outdoor spaces will no longer be mandatory across Georgia starting March 28, Giorgi Ghibradze of the Interagency Coordination Council announced earlier today.
Ivane Chkhaidze, the medical director of Iashvili children’s hospital on Saturday said the “overwhelming” majority of flu cases have been the so-called Hong Kong H3-N2 virus, which appears to be more severe in children, unlike the current coronavirus variant.
A range of Covid-19-related limitations on public events and gatherings will begin to be eased in Georgia starting next month, from club venues being allowed to operate at reduced capacity, to weddings, conferences and other gatherings permitted.
Pregnant women, doctors, patients on dialysis, individuals with diabetes, HIV/AIDS and those in risk groups will receive vaccines against flu free of charge starting on Wednesday, the Georgian health ministry has announced.
There is no risk of a fresh surge of Covid-19 cases across Georgia, Health Minister Zurab Azarashvili said on Monday in comments that said his office was monitoring the pandemic’s global trends.
Ivane Chkhaidze, the Medical Director of the Tbilisi-based Iashvili Children's Hospital, on Friday said the number of flu cases had doubled across the country.