Galery

1

The seasonal wave of flu in Greece has already begun and is expected to continue through March. Until yesterday, the Centre for Control and Prevention of Disease had registered 5 victims of flu complications. Two of the cases occurred last week. Another 10 serious cases required intensive care hospitalization. Against this backdrop, specialists have again urged citizens to regularly wash their hands and use respiratory masks. The most vulnerable groups were recommended to undergo anti-flu vaccination. Doctors were instructed to promptly administer antiviral drugs.

In a statement, the Centre for Control and Prevention of Disease warns of a sweeping wave of seasonal flu expected to last three months. The flu strains experts have identified to be spreading in Greece are Α (Η3Ν2) and Α(Η1Ν1)pdm09. These are the strains that caused the 2009 pandemic.

As the statement highlights, the fact that the strain, responsible for the high incidence of the disease both in Europe and America, is Α (Η3Ν2), is a matter of particular concern during this year's epidemic. It has displayed some genetic variance from the corresponding strain contained in this year’s flu vaccine. And this is the strain, which has been causing the largest number of flu cases across Greece.

CCPD medics have made it clear that vaccination remains the best way to prevent flu. It protects against the Β and Α (Η1Ν1) strains, and may, through the production of cross immunity antibodies, protect from disease and complications caused by the A (H3N2) strain. "Therefore, the continuous vaccination of risk groups with the existing influenza vaccine throughout the duration of the flu epidemic is recommended. These include people over 60, children and adults with chronic conditions, pregnant and lactating women, people with morbid obesity, as well as closed communities, e.g. prisons, schools, foster homes, etc.," the Centre’s statement argues.

Hand and respiratory hygiene, e.g. covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, is highly recommended. People with flu-like symptoms are well-advised to refrain from going to school or work to avoid spreading the virus. People with persistent or severe symptoms should seek medical help. The CCPD urges doctors to be particularly cautious and administer early antiviral treatment to high-risk groups.