Epress.am News from Armenia
The situation is relatively stable in terms of epidemic diseases in Armenia, said Chief Specialist with the RA Ministry of Healthcare’s National Hygiene and Anti-Epidemiological Surveillance Inspectorate Liana Torosyan, speaking to Epress.am.
According to her, the flu and acute respiratory illnesses epidemic in Armenia begins in the first few days of October and ends in late spring. Each week, Torosyan said, their inspectorate monitor the situation and present their findings to the healthcare minister, after which he decides whether there is an epidemic or not.
“There were 3,000–3,500 cases of acute respiratory infectious diseases in Armenia this week. These are official statistics; recorded are those who sought medical assistance. Acute respiratory infections are due to weather conditions and the level of cold. These illnesses arise as a result of a drop in temperatures, contact in closed areas and poor air circulation. We have the same level of diseases this year as last year,” she said.
The specialist also advised those who are ill not to self-diagnose and treat themselves, and on the basis of friends and family, not to use antibiotics in the case of acute respiratory infections as these don’t help. And when it comes to children, Torosyan continued, if they are ill they should be immediately taken to see a pediatrician.
The World Health Organization has decided to carry out vaccinations for vulnerable groups, Liana Torosyan added. These groups are therapists, nurses, emergency workers — those who have constant contact with the ill.
Also to be vaccinated are children living in orphanages or children’s homes, the elderly who are in seniors’ homes, children in boarding schools whose immunity is relatively weaker. This program will be carried out within the scope of state orders.