The number of people affected by the flu increases

The National Institute of Public Health during the permanent monitoring of infectious diseases in Kosovo, through the monitoring system of the epidemiological situation in today's summary report, has outlined increased intensity of seasonal flu cases.

During the fifth week of 2018, 6,451 cases of flu have been reported in Kosovo (Incident=353,7/10 000), which represents an increase of 55.5% compared to last week, as compared to the same period last year, we have an overall increase in the number of cases.

A total of 31,383 suspicious cases in the flu (ILI) have been reported from October 01 to February 02th.

At the laboratory of the National flu Centre - IK The KPS by February 07th 2018 have tested a total of 322 samples for typization and subtypes on the flu. Of them 165 or 51 % have resulted in positive in Influence, out of which 66 samples are positive in Influence A (1 case A(H1) and 99 in Influence B (48 cases are B subtype Yamamata).

Based on the current situation, the National Institute finds that

We're dealing with seasonal flu epidemics.

The National Institute's comprehensive recommendations remain in place and apply to the entire territory of the Republic of Kosovo, re-focusing once again the necessary measures in all health institutions.

MART's minister to report all pre-school, elementary and private (public and private) institutions that all children and students with signs and symptoms of flu (high temperature, fatigue, nose leaks, throat pain, coughing, vomiting and vomiting, headaches, stomach and muscles) avoid contact with healthy students and staying at home by adhering to the doctor's recommendations.

The National Institute has already provided professional recommendations for citizens to be careful and not to be out in cold surroundings, not to stay in closed locals with great density, and to use as many hot fluids and vitamins as possible.

All persons who feel sick should be introduced to the family doctor as soon as possible to prevent complications.

The presentation of the disease is binding on the Law to prevent and fight infectious diseases No. 02-L-109 so all health institutions are required to present the disease at the National Public Health Institute.

We recommend the health inspectorate to oversee all Kosovo health institutions to order for the legal obligation to present infectious diseases.

We recommend health institutions (particularly SHSKUK):

• Reduce the number of family visits to hospitals ( SHSKUK, Regional Hospitals)
• Use of Protection Tools for Health Professionals
• Deinfectation of all areas of health institutions (particularly SHSKUK, infectious, pediatric and gynecological departments).

Officials at the National Institute of Health of Kosovo are watching carefully the appearance of the H3N2 virus in the southern hemisphere (Australi) and are spreading to Europe, which was part of the group of common flu viruses and symptoms of the disease are similar to common flues but that can cause serious complications of the respiratory system, especially among older people and those with a weakened immunity from chronic diseases.

States that have reported high intensities with the flu are Italy, Bulgaria and Ireland. While other countries have average intensities (Anglia, Germany, France, Coracia, Slovenia etc) and low intensitys in other countries.

In Albania the flu has also passed the epidemic threshold and the epidemiological situation is the same in neighbouring states.

Kosovo's National Institute of Public Health has increased vigilance and there is no room for panic in the population because all serious cases are carefully addressed at the SHSKUK. The epidemiological situation does not depend on figures, but on clinical severity of the disease and the number of serious cases. The National Institute and health institutions are prepared to cope with increased flu cases as unpredictable diseases, and for any changes in the epidemiological situation, citizens will be informed over time.

How to Protect From Seasonal Grip

Seasonal flu

The seasonal flu is an acute viral infection. It is transmitted directly from one person to the other through spray during coughing or sneezing and indirectly to touching objects contaminated with the seasonal flu virus.

How long does a sick person spread the flu to others?

The person infected with the flu virus can be infectious to others - a day before he is sick and 5 days after the flu. In children, or people with lower immunity, the infection period may be a little longer.

Who is threatened by seasonal flu?

Anyone can be affected by the seasonal flu virus and spread it to others. But some people are at greater risk of being infected with the seasonal flu virus like:

• Young Children Under Five, Especially Up to 2
• People 65 years old and older
• Women pregnant.
• People with chronic illnesses.

The usual signs of seasonal flu are:

• High temperature
• Column
• The Pain
• Mix
• Headaches
• Diarrhea and puke
• Toothache
• Triangulated noses
• Muscle Pains

Warning signs of emergency.

You should know that the disease usually lasts about a week POR to the doctor if:

Children show:

• Fast breath, or breathing trouble.
• Changing Skin Color
• Not consumed enough fluids
• They have fever with a tan
• Infortification of the neck

Adults show:

• Challenges in Breathing or Panting
• Pain or pressure on chest or stomach
• Unexpected Minds
• Mental Confusion
• Persistent vomiting

How can we protect ourselves from a seasonal flu virus?

We recommend three steps to combat the flu: inoculation, daily preventive measures, and treatment with antivirus drugs if the doctor recommends them.

1. Vaccination.

The vaccine protects the person himself and helps prevent the spread of the flu.

• The anti flu vaccine takes place in the months of October, December.
• The effect of the vaccine starts between 1 and 2 weeks after receiving
• The vaccine applies to the upper wing.

The flu virus vaccine is specifically recommended:

• Children Over 6 Months
• People over 50 years of age
• People at Higher Risk
• Health staff
• Women pregnant
• Ministers such as nest tutors, gardens, stewards of the elderly.

The vaccine against the flu virus is not recommended:

• People With an Fever
• Acute temperature situation
• Children Under Six Months

II Daily Measures That Help prevent the spread of the seasonal flu virus

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with bandages.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use disinfectant.
• Avoid eye, nose, and mouth touch.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Eat Healthful
• Exercise
• Get enough sleep.
• Clean up and disinfect the facilities you live in

Consult your doctor for treatment of flu - related medications have no preventative but medicinal effect. They are used only if you are ill with the flu and must be taken within 48 hours of the disease.

Attention, antivirals are provided only with doctor recommendation

If you're sick with the flu:

• Stay home.
• Stand Apart From Others
• Rest and use plenty of fluids
• Cover your mouth and nose with bandages when coughing or sneezeing
• Wash your hands well with soap and water after each cough or sneezing
• Inform your family and friends about your illness
• Disable contact with people