Three more districts in Bulgaria declare flu epidemic

In connection with the increase in the incidence of acute respiratory diseases and influenza, flu epidemic has been declared in the districts of Lovech, Pazardzhik and Gabrovo and temporary anti-epidemic measures are being introduced for the period from 18 to 24 January, the Ministry of Health said on January 17.

The districts in the country where flu epidemic has been declared so far are now six: Lovech, Pazardzhik and Gabrovo (for the period 18-24 January), Stara Zagora (for the period 17-23 January), Shoumen (for the period 13-18 January) and Bourgas (for the period 12-17 January).

Temporary anti-epidemic measures for the health system include: suspension of scheduled and non-urgent consultations for pregnant women and children, suspension of preventive health checkups, compulsory immunisations and re-immunisations in outpatient care. Restriction to visitors in hospitals is in place. Daily screening upon entry in kindergartens will be reinforced, and no sick staff will be allowed to work. Medical facilities should strictly comply with the requirements for the establishment of a medical standard on prevention and control of nosocomial infections, including strengthening controls on access by outsiders, wearing of protective face masks, and disinfection.

For the relevant period of the declared influenza epidemic, the educational process is suspended in the districts of Lovech, Pazardzhik, Stara Zagora, Shoumen and Bourgas.

School classes will not be suspended in the district of Gabrovo. Decision will be taken on Friday, 20 January, on the possible suspension of classes from Monday, 23 January, in view of the current epidemic situation in the district.

The Ministry of Health reminds that it is advisable to observe non-pharmaceutical anti-epidemic measures such as wearing a protective face mask, frequent hand hygiene and keeping physical distance - effective both to protect against COVID-19 and other airborne infections such as influenza and acute respiratory diseases.

The peak of the flu epidemic is expected in two weeks. At the moment, anti-epidemic measures are being imposed on a district-by-district basis, rather than nationally. The local Regional Health Inspectorates are monitoring the situation on a daily basis. At present, the predominant flu strains are type A - "Victoria" and "Darwin". On 9 January in Sofia, the first case of influenza - type B - was registered in a 15-year-old child.

Type A and type B influenza do not differ much, the main difference is in the age groups it affects. Influenza B can be more common and more severe than influenza A in children. Experts assume that for about a month the activity of influenza circulation will increase and then about a month will decline actively. There will probably be cases until March, and even until April.

The signs of a cold (common cold) are mainly blocked or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat that feels scratchy. In rare cases, mild fever, headache and fatigue may occur. Usually, there are no complications and the symptoms subside within a few days.

Unlike the common cold, seasonal influenza is characterised by the sudden onset of a high fever, cough and sore throat accompanied by headache and/or muscle and joint pain. The feeling is of severe illness. Other signs may include general weakness, chills, sweating, loss of appetite, runny nose and nausea. The most common complication of seasonal influenza is pneumonia, and children may also develop a middle ear infection. In rare cases, complications such as inflammation of the brain and heart can also occur. Seasonal flu symptoms last for more than a week.

Common signs of COVID-19 include cough and fever. Sore throat, headache and pain may occur, as well as general weakness and, over time, shortness of breath. Other signs of illness such as nausea, conjunctivitis, swollen lymph nodes and drowsiness, disturbances of smell or taste are also possible. The infection may proceed asymptomatically, but can also affect the respiratory and other systems in the human body. Various complications and severe inflammatory reactions are possible. The elderly and those with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and complications of influenza or coronavirus infection.