Increase in Respiratory Illnesses and Flu Cases Recorded in Armenia

Armenia continues to observe an increase in cases of respiratory infections and flu. This is evidenced by the indicators for visits to outpatient polyclinic organizations, which are characteristic of the current season. For instance, on January 14, 2020, there were 1,194 visits for acute respiratory infections, compared to 1,080 patients on the same day last year.

Despite the observed increase in visits to outpatient polyclinic organizations, the number of pneumonia cases has decreased by 1.9 times compared to the same period last year. As of January 14, 725 patients have been hospitalized for acute respiratory infections in medical organizations across the country (a decrease of 1.15 times compared to last year), with 96.5% being children under 18 years of age. The main burden of patient visits still falls on children's hospitals in Yerevan.

In the intensive care units of medical organizations, 40 patients are receiving treatment (down from 63 last year), the majority of whom are children under the age of 5. There are currently no critically ill patients due to post-flu complications.

As of January 13 of this year, there were 77 calls related to acute respiratory infections, compared to 119 calls last year, and 17 calls for pneumonia, down from 29 calls last year.

Laboratory test results indicate that the H1N1 and B strains of the flu, as well as other respiratory infection pathogens (rhinovirus, bocavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus), continue to circulate in the country.

In educational institutions, monitoring of the established temperature regime continues. As of January 14, deviations have been recorded in 138 schools and 23 kindergartens. The Ministry of Health is daily informing relevant organizations about these deviations to take necessary measures.

It is worth noting that vaccination is the best measure to prevent flu and avoid post-flu complications. All polyclinics in the country are supplied with the seasonal flu vaccine. Individuals who have not yet received their seasonal flu vaccination can visit their registered polyclinic, especially pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 5 years, persons over 65 years of age, and those with chronic diseases of the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, liver, and kidneys.

Despite the Ministry of Health's appeals, the participation rate of risk groups in the seasonal flu vaccination remains very low, particularly among children aged 6 months to 5 years at 4.6%, pregnant women at 3.1%, chronic patients at 7.9%, and individuals over 65 at 1.5%.

To avoid respiratory infections, flu, and post-flu complications, the Ministry of Health once again urges: get vaccinated against seasonal flu by visiting your registered polyclinic, avoid contact with individuals showing flu-like symptoms, if you are sick, stay home, if you are unwell, call your local pediatrician, therapist, or family doctor, and do not self-medicate. Avoid using antibiotics, as they are not indicated for flu and acute respiratory infections, dress according to the weather, follow proper etiquette for coughing and sneezing, drink plenty of fluids, ventilate enclosed spaces frequently, and maintain personal hygiene.