Flu Season in the Country: What to Do to Avoid Getting Sick

The number of people infected with influenza and acute infectious diseases has increased in Armenia. This was stated today by Liana Torosyan, head of the department for especially dangerous and airborne infectious diseases at the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, during a press conference.

According to Torosyan, the indicators are almost the same compared to the same period last year, and although there are fewer severe cases this year, the specialist did not specify an exact figure.

“The flu and acute infectious disease season has started in Armenia since October. There are more people visiting polyclinics than those receiving inpatient treatment. This also indicates that the cases are not that severe,” the expert said.

Torosyan noted that the most prevalent strains of influenza in the country are types A and B. She advises citizens to stay alert, drink plenty of fluids for preventive purposes, wash their hands frequently, and limit contact with already infected individuals.

As for those who are infected, Torosyan recommends they stay at home, avoid self-treatment, and refrain from using antibiotics. The expert also calls on citizens to get vaccinated against influenza.

It’s important to note that vaccinations against influenza are free for citizens in high-risk groups. The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention includes pregnant women, individuals over 65, those with chronic diseases, children aged 6 months to 5 years, healthcare workers, employees of closed groups, as well as military personnel and conscripts in this category.