Public urged to get seasonal flu shots amid surge of viruses

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.