The Situation Regarding Acute Respiratory Infections in Armenia is Stabilizing

The situation in Armenia regarding acute respiratory infections continues to stabilize, with a decline noted in certain indicators. Trends of decrease are observed in outpatient consultations, emergency calls, and hospitalizations.

This is reported by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia. Despite the stabilization, hospitals in the country, particularly in Yerevan, continue to operate under severe overload, with 92.8% of cases being children under 18 years old.

“Stabilization is also seen regarding absences in educational institutions due to respiratory infections. As previously mentioned, an 'epidemiological filter' is implemented in educational institutions, which prevents children characteristic of acute respiratory infections from attending classes. Today, 278 children were not allowed to participate in educational activities; specifically, as a result of filtering in Yerevan, 153 children were sent home, while 125 children in the regions were also sent home.”

According to laboratory research results, the circulation of the H1N1 subtype, in isolated cases the H3N2 subtype, Type B flu, as well as other respiratory infection pathogens continues in the republic.

In order to avoid falling ill with acute respiratory infections and influenza, as well as to prevent post-influenza complications, the Ministry of Health once again reminds: get vaccinated against seasonal influenza through your registered polyclinic, avoid contact with individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms, if you are ill, stay at home, especially do not allow children with flu-like symptoms to attend school or kindergarten, ensure consultation and treatment by a physician, if you are ill, call your local pediatrician, therapist, or family doctor and do not self-medicate, do not use antibiotics, as they are not indicated for the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections, dress appropriately for the weather, maintain coughing and sneezing etiquette, drink plenty of fluids, ventilate enclosed spaces frequently, and follow personal hygiene.”