Georgian H1N1 Death Toll now at 17
A total of 17 people have so far died from H1N1, the so-called swine flu, in Georgia, says the Georgian National Disease Control Center (NCDC).
NCDC Head Amiran Gamkreldze stated flu illness figures per 100,000 persons is 253 cases, adding virus cases have decreased compared to the previous weeks.
He noted that hospitalization rate decreased to 31%, which is 10% less compared to the cases reported in the last week of December.
Gamkrelidze also added that the hospitalization rate in children decreased from 46% to 26%.
“Ajara, Guria, and Imereti regions are the most affected areas,” he stated.
The epidemic limit for the country is 450 – 500 cases per 100,000.
H1N1 flu is called swine flu because in the past people who caught it had had direct contact with pigs.
Nowadays, people who have it can spread it one day before they have any symptoms and as many as 7 days after they get sick. Children can be contagious for as long as 10 days.
The symptoms are almost much the same as seasonal flu and can include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
Like the regular flu, swine flu can lead to more serious problems including pneumonia, a lung infection, and other respiratory problems. And it can make an illness like diabetes or asthma worse.
The Ministry of Health of Georgia called on the population to visit medical facilities as soon as they notice influenza symptoms.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education extended the winter holidays at educational institutions until January 21 to reduce risks of virus spreading and is carrying out disinfection works in educational buildings.
By Thea Morrison
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