Twelve people die of influenza in Moldova since beginning of cold season

Chisinau, 1 February /MOLDPRES/ - Twelve people have died of influenza since the beginning of the cold season and 541 persons fell ill with this disease.   

At a news conference today, the state secretary at the Health, Labour and Social Protection Ministry (MSMPS), Aliona Serbulenco, said that the presence of the flu virus A (H1N1) had been confirmed in all persons who died. Most these people were hit by several diseases concomitantly and were not vaccinated against the influenza. The epidemic process of morbidity through flu in Moldova is characterized by extended geographical spread, with tendencies of increase.    

„According to recommendations by the World Health Organization, starting from 1 October 2018 till present, decision-makers have been permanently carried out the epidemiological supervision and monitoring of the geographical spread, intensity and tendency of the epidemic process, circulation of dominant flu viruses, resistance to antiviral preparations and the impact of influenza on the health system,” Serbulenco noted.   

The MSMPS official also said that, to prevent cases of flu and protect the groups with high risk of falling sick with influenza, 160,000 people had been vaccinated, including pregnant women and children. The vaccination campaign continues; all persons with high risk of falling ill are urged to vaccinate against flu at the family physician.   

To avoid the falling sick, epidemiologists recommend that citizens do not resort to self-treatment and appeal to doctor at the appearance of the first symptoms compatible with influenza. Ill persons should avoid contact with pregnant women, immune-compromised people, persons with cardiovascular diseases, chronic diseases of the respiratory apparatus, diabetes and obesity.  

Influenza has hit the neighbour countries, Romania and Ukraine, too. Thus, 64 people died of this disease in Romania.