Evolution of the Flu Virus in Romania

The Romanian Health Ministry will decide this week whether or not to declare a flu epidemic at national level

Bogdan Matei, 28.01.2019, 11:43

Already shaken by the downward trend of the Euro-Leu exchange rate and a recent series of extreme weather phenomena, Romania is now also on the brink of a flu epidemic. This week, health authorities will decide whether or not to declare a flu epidemic at national level. Health Minister Sorina Pintea has said the decision will be made if the number of diagnosed cases referred to the relevant national institute exceeds expectations for the third week in a row.

The number of victims is already higher than last year, when only four people died to the flu virus. Most of those who succumbed to the flu hadnt taken the anti-influenza vaccine and were considered vulnerable categories, with pre-existing medical conditions. On the other hand, Minister Pintea has said 6,000 cases are registered in school units, as reported by county public health directorates. This was the reason why the Health Ministry has called on the Education Ministry to suspend classes on Friday, January 25, in all schools in the country, since Thursday, January 24, the Union of the Romanian Principalities, was a national holiday anyway. On Monday, school resumed for some three million school and pre-school children.

Education Minister Ecaterina Andronescu has said schools will be open this week, as teachers need to close the mid-year record. Against the backdrop of the wide circulation of respiratory diseases, Minister Andronescu advised parents to take their children to hospital if they suspect they are exhibiting cold or flu-related symptoms, and pointed out that epidemiological triage should be compulsory in schools every morning.

The authorities are calling on all people exhibiting symptoms associated with influenza to consult their family physicians first and foremost, as any doctor can prescribe antiviral medication. Specialists also recommend voluntary home isolation to all people presenting symptoms and the strict observance of hygiene and health standards, especially washing hands.

In hospitals, wearing the appropriate apparel (masks, gloves, gowns) is compulsory, both to visitors and to the medical staff. Moreover, hospitals treating inpatients suffering from acute respiratory diseases must restock their antiviral medication and proceed to the immediate vaccination of all unvaccinated staff. Specialists warn that, considering the centralized data of the last 15 years, flu epidemics usually peak in mid-March. (Translated by V. Palcu, edited by D. Vijeu)