After the year-end holidays, many cases of flu have increased. Combined with covid-19, the cases have suffered complications that have often led them to the doors of hospitals.
It is the doctors and laboratories who confirm the serious situation in the population, while hospital emergencies, such as adult and pediatric ones, are full day and night.
SITUATION
Circulation of influenza and other respiratory viruses are increasing morbidity in the population. Cases have been increasing since December and are heading towards a peak in January affecting all age groups. Family doctors claim that out of 3 people who performed swab testing, 1 of them was found to be infected.
Meanwhile, the pediatric emergency at QSUT is an indication that the number of cases affected by respiratory infections is reaching its peak. Over 400 patients a day turn to this service for medical help. Pediatricians confirm that it is not only about complications from the flu. In children up to 2 years of age, there are increased cases of respiratory syncytial virus, infections from Covid and its mutations, but also overlapping viruses that have worsened the condition of children in this period.
We are in the season of flu and viruses, and according to doctors, we are not dealing with an unusual situation like that during the pandemic. However, the presence of many viruses at the same time has burdened the health system, increasing hospitalizations during this period.
Although there is no official confirmation of the presence of the new variant of Covid, JN1, doctors do not rule out its circulation in our country, referring to the signs and aggressiveness of the disease in children. According to the Institute of Public Health, the curve of infections from flu and other viruses is only increasing. Over 13 thousand affected per week are currently reported.
A/H1 VIRUS
Experts from the Institute of Public Health say that the country is passing the peak phase of seasonal influenza A/H1, which is normal in this period. Combined with Covid-19 and other types of flu, it has brought overcrowding in hospitals and is creating high mortality in the elderly. Family doctors claimed that recently a high mortality has been observed in the elderly over 80 years old who suffered from other chronic diseases.
This season’s viruses are looking tougher than last year’s at this time. The most common symptoms are high temperature combined with bone pain, sore throat, diarrhea and vomiting. But according to doctors, subvariants of Covid-19 are also circulating, but its symptoms are often milder than seasonal flu. For this reason, doctors suggest that the elderly should be more careful, avoid gatherings and wear masks.
SYMPTOMS
According to Public Health experts, the most severe symptoms are being created by the circulation of the influenza A virus, which has reached the proportions of a pandemic. There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease in humans (known as the flu season) almost every winter. Influenza A viruses are the only influenza viruses known to cause influenza pandemics (ie, global epidemics of influenza disease).
A pandemic can occur when a new and different type A influenza virus that infects humans appears, has the ability to spread efficiently among people who have little or no immunity. Influenza C virus infections generally cause mild illness and are not thought to cause human epidemics. Influenza D viruses mainly affect cattle with spread to other animals, but are not known to infect humans to cause disease. So far, 130 combinations of influenza A subtype have been identified, mainly from wild birds.
Subtype viruses have a propensity for “rearrangement,” a process that occurs when two flu viruses infect a person at the same time and exchange genetic information. Current subtypes of influenza A viruses that routinely circulate in humans include A(H1N1) and A(H3N2). Doctors at the Clinic of Lung Diseases in Tirana recommend avoiding crowding, drinking fluids and staying in warm and ventilated rooms. Doctors do not suggest the use of antibiotics in the early stages. Only after five or 6 days of temperature is recommended a more in-depth check which determines if it is necessary.
