The number of influenza cases has increased significantly in Georgia

Over the past two weeks, the number of flu cases has increased significantly in Georgia, said Ivane Chkhaidze, chief physician of the Iashvili Central Children’s Hospital.

According to him, November, December and especially December-January will be the period of maximum influenza activity. As Chkhaidze noted, the peak incidence of influenza in the country falls on December-January.

In addition, according to Ivane Chkheidze, along with the flu, an increase in cases of coronavirus is also expected, which will make it difficult to distinguish what type of virus the patient has.

“The question of what type of virus it is will be difficult to distinguish in many cases. Influenza is characterized by a sharp rise in temperature to 38.5 or more, severe weakness, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, headache – this generally reflects the severity of the influenza virus. Omicron is not characterized by such a severe course, although in some cases a high temperature can also be observed with Omicron. Therefore, it will be very difficult to distinguish influenza from coronavirus only by the clinical course.

Until November 15, the flu shot was free, it was extended until November 22, so it will be very good if people at risk – pregnant women, people over 65 years old, people with chronic diseases, law enforcement officers, doctors, etc., get vaccinated from the flu,” Chkhaidze said.