Peak of respiratory viral infections
Romanian physicians expect the peak of respiratory viral infections to be reached in Romania as of this week.
Leyla Cheamil, 16.01.2023, 13:50
Romania is in a state of epidemiological alert, given that it is facing an avalanche of respiratory infections. The health minister, Alexandru Rafila, has recently stated that he will not declare an epidemic, as this would imply a return to “certain restrictions”, similar to those imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The health minister stated that the week from December 26 to January 1 was the third week of epidemic. Cases of flu, viral infections and pneumonia are on the rise, so more and more adults and children with symptoms are crowding in the hospital emergency rooms. As of this week, the wave of respiratory viral infections could reach its peak, given that these cases are multiplying rapidly.
Specialists believe that most cases could be reported until February 10, and then a decrease will follow. The latest data from the Health Ministry indicate over 100,000 respiratory infections: viral infections, flu and pneumonia, detected by doctors in the first week of this year. The number is much higher than the total number of cases reported in the previous interval and almost double compared to the period before the pandemic.
At the same time, several cases of multiple infection, with the influenza virus and the novel coronavirus, have also been confirmed in recent days, and doctors say that the risk of complications is higher than when the patient only has the flu. However, experts say that the probability of simultaneous infection is quite low. In their opinion, the main concern should be to limit the transmission of viruses in general, even of seasonal ones, which are considered less dangerous.
Doctors and authorities remind that the protective measures applied during the pandemic have an effect in limiting the transmission of any respiratory virus and say that people should resume wearing masks in crowded spaces, if crowds cannot be avoided, and observing a rigorous hygiene of hands.
On the other hand, in the context of the current epidemiological situation, the Association of the National Society of Family Medicine recommends the population, in case of viral infection, to seek medical advice and avoid self-medication. They draw attention that the release of antiviral medication is based on a medical prescription and that the treatment of a medical condition is based on the active substances and the dosage that a medicine contains and not on its trade name.
Doctors warn that treatment schemes must be adapted to each individual patient, depending on age, type of virus, comorbidities, so treatments are not “universally valid”. Observing these principles will lead to rapid healing and recovery, avoiding the complications of this seasons viruses, doctors also highlighted. (LS)
