DO NOT TO FORGET ABOUT FLU

Although experts of the World Health Organization do not expect the emergence this year of new strains of viruses which might cause a pandemic among the world's population, Chief Infectionologist of Azerbaijan, Namiq Aliyev, urged the population to focus more on their own health.  Usually, the morbidity rates from influenza and para-influenza in Azerbaijan increase in December, but there has been no large-scale spread of acute respiratory diseases in the country.

The spread of these viral diseases is usually airborne.  Outbreaks usually occur when the season changes.  As for strains, the influenza virus types A, N1H1, H3N2 and B will circulate this epidemiological season, in the winter of 2007/2008.

At the same time, international experts cannot rule out the possibility of a pandemic.  This can happen if an individual contracts some hitherto unknown strain, against which there is no vaccine and which might even result in death.

For now, everything is stable

The Azerbaijani Centre of Hygiene and Epidemiology [ACHE] noted that the epidemiological situation regarding the influenza virus is not dangerous in the country.  The number of registered reports to the health care institutions does not exceed the norm, although it is somewhat higher than last year's.

As ACHE Deputy General Director, Svetlana Zmitrovich, told R+, the data on acute respiratory diseases are summarized monthly.  The data for Baku, where a significant part of the country's population is concentrated, are added up weekly.  In the first decade of December, for instance, 1,965 reports were registered, of which 875 were children.  In October-November, the number of reports increased and reached 2,135.

Of course, weather conditions also influence the spread of infections.  The highest number was registered at 3,387.  "In the near future, no influenza epidemiology is expected in the country, and the situation is under control.  In addition, medical staff were instructed to step up their efforts at schools and kindergartens precisely because children are most susceptible to acute respiratory diseases," S. Zmitrovich said.

At the same time, the expert pointed out that the above-mentioned statistic cannot paint a full picture of the spread of influenza in the country.  People resort to self-treatment and effectively never go to polyclinics.  In the past, for instance, 7,000-8,000 reports meant an epidemic.  Now, however, specialists will sound an alarm when 4,500-5,000 reports are registered at patient care institutions.

It is better to be vaccinated

According to WHO forecasts, an epidemic caused by the New Caledonian influenza strain and types A and B is expected this year.  The latter two strains were registered in Azerbaijan in the past.  The New Caledonian strain is absolutely new for Azerbaijan.  The new strain of influenza virus is currently being tested at the V Azerbaijani Research Institute of Preventive Medicine.

To avert the risk of contracting the infection, doctors recommend vaccination against influenza and at the same time, strengthen the body's defences by taking vitamins and leading an active life style.  Two new vaccines are available in Baku which will help keep the disease at bay this year - the set of strains that cause infection changes each season.  It has to be noted that the WHO conducts an appropriate study every year to establish in advance which virus will spread in a given country during the new season.  Then a new vaccine is developed which contains antibodies to all the established viruses.  According to this year's study, the following vaccines are recommended this season:  The Belgian-made Fluarix and Dutch Influavak, which have already appeared in Baku's pharmacies.  Vaccination offices have been opened at the Child Care Hospital No 6, Central Clinical Hospital and ACHE.  In addition, you can get vaccinated at the Central Oilers' Hospital daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Special Rules

At the same time, Britain decided to fight influenza with not just the old vaccination strategy.  Professor John Oxford from the Queen Mary's School of Medicine in London has elaborated and published special rules of etiquette and hygiene for those who contract influenza.  The professor says that the most important rule is that the patients should not cover their mouth with their hands when they cough or sneeze, because viruses in the saliva get on the hands.  It is better to use sleeves or forearms for this, which will help prevent the spread of viruses during a handshake.

Disposable nose-wipes should be used, but they should on no account be made of fabric, because this would create optimal conditions for the proliferation of micro-organisms.  And most importantly, in the opinion of Professor Oxford, they should wash their hands in the right way.  This has to be done regularly and every time after covering the face with hands.  Hands must be washed with soap and warm water, and the longer it takes, the better.

The scientist believes that adoption of these simple rules will help dramatically reduce influenza morbidity levels and check the spread of viral infection.

In addition, S. Zmitrovich recommends cutting down on sweets during the season of the spread of acute respiratory diseases, because food which is rich in highly purified carbohydrates creates favourable condition for the development of a virus in the body.  It is better to eat vegetables and fruits in any form and dried fruits.  We must also include in our diet garlic, onion and citruses which are rich in Vitamin C.