“Hand hygiene, systematic ventilation of closed spaces, limiting contact with vulnerable people, carrying out diagnostic tests as well as the continuous use of a mask, especially in crowded places, remain the recommended measures to prevent viral respiratory infections” the Medical Association of Thessaloniki (ISTH) points out in a statement. The president of ISTH, Nikos Nitsas, pointed out that “Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for both doctors and health workers, as well as for the general population, is even more necessary, before and after the festive periods”.

According to the ISTH, the virus came back stronger due to the long period of recession but also the appearance of a new subvariant, more contagious, as evidenced by the doubling of the viral load in the sewage of Thessaloniki.

“Our fellow human beings, mainly with underlying problems and of a certain age, they should not relax. The NHS has many times emphasized that the virus is here and we as a medical community must constantly remind ourselves of this” noted Mr. Nitsas in response to related questions and added that the doctors of both the NHS and the private sector are on the alert and are asking ” better coordination of measures to protect health structures, with more checks and fewer visits by relatives and friends in wards.” Mr. Nitsas also pointed out that “since the vaccination coverage for the disease Covid 19 and the flu of vulnerable groups remains low, the use of the mask is considered highly imperative”.

The ISTH reminds that the flu is also an acute disease of the respiratory system and is very easily transmitted from one person to another. Most healthy people get over it without complications, but some, like people in high-risk groups, are at risk and therefore get vaccinated.

According to the weekly Report of the Epidemiological Surveillance of Respiratory Infections from December 18 to 24, 2023, three new serious cases of influenza with hospitalization in the ICU were recorded, while in the previous week there were twenty-one with five deaths. From December 25 to 31, 2023, eight new serious cases with hospitalization in ICU were registered, while three new deaths were detected.