The flu hits Greece: Cases have increased
There was an 8.4% increase in visits to a doctor or health facility by people with flu symptoms in recent days, while three patients were admitted to the ICU.
In particular, the trend registered by the health authorities throughout Greece regarding the spread of the seasonal flu is increasing.
According to the epidemiological report of the EODY in the week from November 21 to 27, three additional patients were admitted to the ICU, which are added to the two previous periods, raising the number to five patients.
At the same time, there was an 8.4% increase in the number of patients who visited a doctor with symptoms of “flu symptoms”, i.e. higher fever, diarrhea, headache, myalgias, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.
Characteristically, the epidemiological bulletin of the EODY states that from October 3 until today, 359 “suspicious” clinical samples from hospitals and private doctors have been examined at the Influenza Reference Centers throughout the country.
20 (5.6%) tested positive for the viruses, subtype A (H1N1)pdm09 and A (H3N2).
During the last week of November 21 to 27, a total of 37 clinical samples (11 from hospitals and 26 from doctors) were tested and 2 were found to be type A (H3N2) positive.
It is worth noting that the number of influenza cases is not indicative of the actual number of cases in the community, as the seasonal influenza surveillance system has not yet begun to operate normally, due to the first onset of the wave.
EODY officials emphasize the importance of flu vaccination as the best way to prevent the flu.