According to data collected in the 49th week (from December 1 to 5), the total number of registered cases of ARVI and influenza amounted to 42,561. This is a 15.3% increase compared to the 48th week, when 37,066 cases were recorded. Among the sick, 72.1% are children under 14 years old, which corresponds to 15,029 cases.
Otorbaeva noted that such growth was predictable. She emphasized that in the absence of basic precautionary measures, the incidence will continue to rise. "People infect each other while in public places, and if no measures are taken, we will see an increase in the number of sick. Especially under conditions where favorable weather conditions promote the virus. One infected person can infect several people in public transport, which, in turn, endangers the health of the elderly and children," she explained.
The specialist added that if preventive measures are not followed, the growth of morbidity will continue until a significant portion of the population has been infected. "We strongly recommend adhering to personal hygiene rules," Otorbaeva added.
Considering the start of the epidemic season for influenza, medical professionals offer the following recommendations:
- Avoid places with large crowds (concerts, shopping centers) and minimize the use of public transport.
- Wear medical masks that should fit snugly to the face and cover the nose and mouth, changing them every two to three hours or when they become damp.
- At the first symptoms, stay at home; do not send children to school or kindergartens to avoid infecting others.
- Consult a doctor in a timely manner to receive appropriate treatment based on the patient's condition and age.
- Teach children respiratory hygiene: use disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing or cover the mouth with the elbow.
- Use hand sanitizers after visiting public places and means of transport.
- Regularly ventilate rooms - at least three to four times a day for 10-15 minutes.
- Observe bed rest, as carrying influenza while on your feet is dangerous due to the risk of complications.
- Isolate the sick person by providing them with a separate room.
- Use separate dishes and towels for the sick person, washing and disinfecting them separately.
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