The season of increased respiratory infections is underway. Influenza virus infections now dominate the country, and almost half of the infections concern pediatric patients. In this group, the RSV virus is responsible for the largest percentage of hospitalizations. Deputy Minister of Health Waldemar Kraska announced on the air of Polish Radio the introduction of free tests from the new year that simultaneously detect the presence of RSV, influenza and Covid-19.
Waldemar Kraska: We will introduce triple tests to detect Covid, flu and RSV
Published Dec. 28, 2022 09:19
FOT. SLAWOMIR KAMINSKI / AGENCJA GAZETA
– The high incidence of viral diseases may, according to experts, be the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, when we lived in a certain bubble that also protected us against other viruses. We wore masks, there was disinfection, and young people learned remotely. The RSV virus most often affects young people, but also seniors - said Waldemar Kraska in an interview for Program 1 of Polish Radio.
- We want to introduce free tests from next year, which can be performed in a hospital or family doctor. It will be a triple test, diagnosing flu, RSV and Covid. We want to ensure that family doctors can order these tests, and the National Health Fund will reimburse them, announced the Deputy Minister of Health.
As expected, the tests would be available at the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, low influenza vaccination coverage is still a big problem. Only less than 700,000 were vaccinated. people. Waldemar Kraska assured that the government is finishing work on solutions that will facilitate obtaining the vaccine. The possibility of issuing electronic referrals, which can be used at the vaccination point or pharmacy, is being considered. Now the prescription for the preparation must be written by a doctor.
