Epidemiologist Ilir Alimehmeti was invited to “Top Story”, where he spoke about viruses and vaccination.
Alimehmeti explained why the flu is causing complications, adding that “we are ashamed to do rapid tests at the pharmacy”. He also said that vaccinations are neglected in October because there is no flu.
“Every winter season there is a flu virus that circulates. The more the population increases, the greater the probability that viruses will be transmitted. As long as there is life, there will be viruses. All these viruses provide a kind of partial immunity. 10-15% of the population is infected with the flu every year.
“It’s just the flu”, we neglect it. When it comes to infections, we go through a panic-neglect cycle. On the other hand, not enough is said about the serious consequences of the flu.
We should have a vaccination campaign in October. In our country, vaccination uptake is extremely low. In October we are in the campaign of neglect because there is no flu in October. Now we are in panic and ‘oh God what are we going to do’. Neglect in October is almost always.
Another thing we could do? We could have flu and covid tests in pharmacies. There are none in Albania, we are ashamed to do rapid tests in pharmacies.
Two weeks of warning is enough. It is a kind of bell that warns you that something is coming. We will have it again. Autumn will come, just as many vaccines will be bought.
The campaign for vaccines should be like the electoral one. These types of viruses find fragile people. Old people, young people, sick people and these have a greater chance of having complications, more difficulties.
Who is the principle? It is support for the relevant institutions. Prevention is the best, cheapest thing”, he said.
