Respiratory illnesses on the rise, avoid large gatherings

(Patria) - An increase in visits to family medicine clinics due to respiratory illnesses is being recorded in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Influenza A virus and Influenza B virus have been detected, with a rise in flu-like illnesses and cases of COVID-19. Experts advise timely vaccination against seasonal flu and COVID-19, especially for at-risk groups.

The Head of the Service for Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases at the Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, prim. prof. dr. sc. Sanjin Musa, states that 30,000 to 40,000 doses of seasonal flu vaccine are procured annually for the Federation of BiH, which are available to the population.

- Two weeks after vaccination are needed to build protection (antibodies). And it is never too late to get vaccinated against the flu. Immunization and general hygiene measures are most important. People with symptoms of respiratory illnesses should avoid indoor gatherings as this can contribute to the spread of the illness - he emphasized.

Dr. Musa emphasizes that they are continuously monitoring COVID-19 cases as well, and a characteristic of this and the previous season is fewer tests (compared to previous years). Hospitalized individuals are from at-risk groups, primarily older people and those with various comorbidities.