Caution urged to avoid flu

The National Center for Preventive Medicine anticipates influenza activity to climb during the cold season 2008/2009; however, the incidence of flu and acute respiratory infections is not expected to exceed the multi-annual average levels, Info-Prim Neo reports. In a press release signed by Varfolomei Calmyc, senior specialist at the Center, it is said that modern medicine has so far been helpless in finding effective ways of preventing influenza as well as fast relief for the infection. That is why doctors advise a complex of prophylactic measures to avoid the flu. The complex includes living a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy food and having rational nutrition habits, improving conditions at work and at home, removing bad habits, and also getting anti-flu vaccination, the specialist advised. Over January-September 2008, there were recorded 2,242 cases of influenza in Moldova. The number of acute respiratory infections dropped to 164,320 from 198,830 cases in the corresponding period last year. Influenza affected both children and adults, though the worst affected were the children of pre-school and school ages. No serious and lethal cases occurred, it was reported. Common symptoms of the flu are fever, headaches, and fatigue, and may also include body aches, especially of joints and throat, coughing and sneezing, nasal congestion, nausea and vomiting. Call a doctor when these symptoms arise.