Epidemic threat: outbreak of viral infections shocks Georgia

Severe flu strike: Georgia clinics can't cope with the influx of patients

Georgian doctors are anxiously communicating about the waves of infectious diseases that have swept over the past few weeks. Especially the children's departments of hospitals turned out to be overcrowded. The head of the Georgian Ministry of Health, Zurab Azarashvili, said that this situation is nothing more than a regular seasonal exacerbation of viruses.

The threat on the way is the influenza of the type A virus, which is the main villain. Fever, severe headaches and joint pain, as well as a feeling of weakness are all characteristic symptoms of this virus. "The clinical course of all types of influenza is similar. There are sharp symptoms, high fever, possibly accompanied by pain in the joints and muscles. The disease lasts five to seven days, but in case of complications it can last two to three weeks," said infectious disease specialist Alexandra Goginava.

Persons belonging to the risk group should be especially careful. Infectious disease specialists urge everyone to comply with hygiene standards and regularly ventilate the premises. "In the last two weeks, the number of requests has increased significantly. It is worth noting that people at risk, namely older people and citizens with chronic diseases, began to apply more often," Professor Maka Buleishvili said. The previous chief epidemiologist of Georgia, Amiran Gamkrelidze, said that there is no need to panic, but the situation requires attention.

As far as we know at the moment, most of the cases are related to the flu, but also do not forget about the respiratory syncytial virus. This season there are also cases of adenovirus, rhinovirus, which is a common occurrence for this time of year.

Key recommendations for the disease include monitoring body temperature, increased fluid intake and immediate medical attention in case of complications. This can save lives and help fight a dangerous infection faster.