The flu peak is yet to come

- We have no chance to work according to schedules, we have an oversupply of patients - every day, since at least the beginning of December. Flu prevails. Our staff is sick too. The situation in outpatient clinics and clinics is very difficult - this is how Dr. Agata Sławin, an expert of the Zielonogórskie Agreement Federation, a specialist in family medicine, describes the infection situation in Lower Silesia.

The situation is similar in other regions of the country. The Ministry of Health reports that there are over 50,000 new infections with influenza viruses every day, but these are incomplete data, because not all facilities regularly send reports on the number of infected.

Influenza mainly affects children and the elderly. It is a serious disease for everyone, but it is especially dangerous for the youngest. There is another victim - a 10-year-old boy who failed to save his life. For the elderly, with coexisting diseases - hypertension, diabetes - the flu is also very dangerous. It exacerbates other ailments, and can also cause complications - meningitis, viral pneumonia or myocarditis leading to cardiac arrhythmias and even death.

- We also diagnose RSV in patients, but also a lot of bacterial infections - there are also many cases of scarlet fever. The first symptoms of all these diseases are very similar - high fever, cough, runny nose, weakness. The tests can quickly determine what the patient is suffering from, but they are still not reimbursed, says Dr. Agata Sławin.

Doctors invariably call for patients who have an infection to wear masks in stores or on public transport, keep their distance and wash their hands often.

Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the number of cases. Infections started extremely early this season and many people did not manage to get vaccinated, but in fact interest in vaccination is negligible. There are people who are willing. Unfortunately, parents with children are the least likely to come to vaccination points.

- It's very sad. Neither the pandemic nor the now increasing incidence of influenza has caused a greater interest in influenza vaccination. And children are one of the most frequent victims of this disease, they end up in hospitals - describes Dr. Agata Sławin.

Meanwhile, the organization of this year's vaccination leaves much to be desired. For example, patients who can take advantage of discounts or refunds - pregnant women, seniors over 75 - after being examined and qualified by a doctor, must go to the pharmacy with the prescription for the vaccine and quickly return to the primary care clinic to be vaccinated only then. It is a real "health path", especially for the elderly, sick or disabled. It would be easier, more efficient and more logical if vaccines were available in primary care clinics. Simple solutions are the best.

It is a pity that the Ministry of Health is still wondering what to do to get more people vaccinated against influenza and does not introduce facilities, because in a moment the health system will not be able to withstand so many infected. And time is running out. The next increase in flu cases is likely to occur in January.

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