WHO Georgia Office Head Gives Recommendations about Flu
By Tea Mariamidze
Thursday, January 10
Head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Georgia Office, Marian Ivanusha, held a special press-conference, giving recommendations about the increased influenza cases in the country.
According to him, at this stage in Georgia, there is a “moderate, normal flu virus and nothing special is going on."
The WHO Georgia Office Head added that A type of virus is spread in Georgia which has not caused pandemics.
“We distinguish four different types of viruses that cause the disease - A, B, C, D type of viruses. Only A and B types of viruses are dangerous to humans. As for the pandemic, it is caused by A type of virus, however, the virus spread in Georgia is not pandemic at this stage,” he explained.
According to him, vaccination is necessary to protect people from viruses.
“The best period for vaccination is the late autumn - October-November. The vaccine in Georgia is of very good quality and completely covers all viruses. Vaccination is somewhat late now because it needs at least 2 weeks to take effect, but it is still possible to treat people with vaccination,” Marian Ivanusha said.
He also talked about the anti-flu medication Tamiflu and its usage. He said it should be used only in serious cases of influenza.
“Tamiflu is an antiviral drug. It is similar to antibiotics, but it works against the flu virus, so I want to warn people strictly: drugs are not candies and cannot be taken by your own decision. If you normally see respiratory symptoms, do not run into a drugstore, do not buy and take Tamiflu. This is a serious drug that should be taken following a doctor's prescription in case of specific complications,” he called on the population.
According to Health Minister David Sergeenko, up to 640 patients are currently undergoing anti-flu virus treatment and 39 of them are in the resuscitation department.
"As of today, compared to yesterday, the indicator is positive - almost less than 100 hospitalized people, which is a good dynamic,” he added.
In addition, so-called Swine Flu, H1N1, killed at least 10 people in Georgia.
