The circulation of seasonal viruses does not differ from previous years

Georgian Deputy Minister of Health Tamar Gabunia said that according to the data, the circulation of seasonal viruses does not differ from previous years.

According to her, the most circulating rhinovirus and respiratory virus.

“According to the National Center for Disease Control, the circulation of viruses is no different from previous years. In the current period, rhinovirus and respiratory virus are the most circulating. Adenoviruses have a relatively low percentage. Only 5% of the influenza virus is in the H3 form. The H2 form is even smaller and amounts to 2%,” said Tamar Gabunia.

In an interview with journalists, Tamar Gabunia also commented on the so-called Hong Kong virus and noted that the information about the massive spread of this type of virus is incorrect.

The so-called Hong Kong virus can usually be treated at home after consulting a family doctor, she said. According to Tamar Gabunia, the virus causes complications in children, especially those with chronic diseases.

“With regard to the so-called Hong Kong virus and the information disseminated about it, an incorrect interpretation was given in connection with this. The name of the virus “Hong Kong” is historical. The virus spread as an epidemic in 1968. Since then, its mass distribution has not been anywhere in the world. This is a virus that is not of particular interest. If the child has a fever, a doctor should be consulted and the parent should treat the child as usual. Viruses can cause complications in children, especially those with chronic diseases.

Recommendations for protection – again hand hygiene, distance. If a child is sick, do not let him go to school. There is no cause for concern. The health sector is mobilized to assess the child’s condition and manage the disease at home. If he does not have a concomitant disease, then there is no need to take him to the hospital, so it is better for the family doctor to treat the child at home,” said Tamar Gabunia.