Around 8,600 citizens have been vaccinated against seasonal flu in Pristina
Around 8,600 citizens have so far been vaccinated against seasonal flu at the Main Center for Family Medicine (MCFM) in Pristina. Although a slight increase in cases with flu symptoms has been observed, the situation is currently not worrisome.
The doctor at this center, Vjollca Zeqiri, told KosovaPress that all citizens should be vaccinated, even though vaccination continues until April-May of next year, but this time is better because the flu is more pronounced.
"It is now the flu season and we have a slightly increased number of cases of people who have flu symptoms, but at the moment it is not yet a worrying situation..00:29 So far we have reached the number of about 8 thousand 600 with flu vaccine. Most are elderly, 60 and above, but we also have other age groups, we still have the vaccine. All citizens should be vaccinated now, those who have indications for vaccination, however vaccination continues until April, May, but now is the best season, when they should be vaccinated because the flu is more pronounced", said Zeqiri.
She emphasized that influenza is caused by three types of viruses, type A, B and C, where the first two can cause more severe forms of the disease.
According to her, people with chronic illnesses, the elderly and pregnant women, children under five and two years old, are most at risk from seasonal flu.
Zeqiri also emphasized the complications that these people may have as a result of the virus.
"Influenza is caused by three viruses, type A, B and C. Type A and B cause more severe forms of the disease and cause symptoms that can range from mild to moderate and more severe. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, fever and chills. However, elderly people over 65 years old, pregnant women, children especially those younger than five years old, people who suffer from health problems such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, with immune problems, they are more at risk. Complications that can occur as a result of the influenza virus range from pneumonia, which is life-threatening, to inflammation of the brain and heart, and myositis," she emphasized.
Zeqiri has called for care and personal hygiene, emphasizing that the influenza virus spreads very easily through close contact.
She has also called on citizens who consume antibiotics without a doctor's prescription to be careful, as antibiotics only act on bacteria and not on infections and cause harmful side effects.
"The influenza virus spreads very easily from person to person, through respiratory droplets, during coughing, sneezing or speaking. Hands should be washed as often as possible with warm water and soap, airing the room, avoiding contact or shaking hands. Regarding antibiotics, great care should be taken because antibiotics only act on bacteria and do not act on viral infections, therefore we must be very careful that our patients do not go to pharmacies and self-supply themselves with antibiotics because they cause harmful side effects," said Zeqiri.
QKMF doctor, Vjollca Zeqiri, said that the drug known as "paracetamol" is the first choice to reduce fever and relieve pain. She appeals to consume fluids, food rich in fruits and vegetables and rest, especially in the first two to three days when symptoms are at their peak. Symptoms of seasonal flu are sneezing, coughing, fever and chills.
