Number of pandemic flu cases could decline, doctor

The number of persons with pandemic flu-like symptoms who seek medical assistance could rise by the end of this week, but would then decrease. The forecasts are based on multi-annual observations and were made by the director of the Municipal Clinical Hospital No. 1 Victor Savin. They were published in the newspaper “Alianta” on Friday, November 13, Info-Prim Neo reports. Victor Savin said the representative of the World Health Organization Christian Perron, who paid a visit to Moldova, said the situation in our country is much better than in the neighboring countries. He said there are no outbreaks of flu in the Moldovan hospitals. “We must not get into a panic. The number of cases of flu and acute respiratory infections usually rises in Moldova at the end of October– the start of November. We must know what actions we must take to stop the spread of viruses.” The doctor stressed the people should be more cautious so as not to get infected. “The protection masks are efficient as they stop the viruses transported by water vapors. If you did the mask by yourselves, wash it and iron it every 3-4 hours. If you bought the mask, change it every 2-3 hours. The children and adults in Japan wear protection masks and will take them off only when the authorities recommend. This is a good move.” Victor Savin also said that the ordinary flu does not pose a danger during the first ten days, while the А (H1N1) virus is dangerous from the very first hours. “The persons with temperature of 38-39 degrees Celsius, sore throat, cough, chills and fatigue, runny and stuffy nose, body aches and headache should contact their physician immediately and take special antiviral drugs.” The given persons should also avoid going out in public and take a break from work if possible. “Wash your hands as often as possible. An ordinary virus remains on hands for 30 minutes, while a pandemic flu virus – for up to 10 hours. Do not visit your relatives in the hospital if you do not have a serious reason,” the doctor advised.