Seasonal viruses reach peak in Shkodra/ Doctors appeal to get vaccinated

2025-01-30 15:26:00, Aktualitet CNA

The seasonal flu seems to have reached its peak in Shkodra as experts urge citizens to get vaccinated in order to avoid complications. Arben Xhabija, chief vaccinator at the Local Health Care Unit in Shkodra, says that out of 14,000 doses received so far, only 9,300 people have been vaccinated.

"Since last October, we have started vaccination against the flu and so far 9300 doses have been applied in Shkodra. It is the peak period of the flu. During the past week there are 600 cases of flu. Vaccination is not like in the period of October, November, now there are 20-30 applications in the Shkodra district, but at the regional level there is an increase in vaccine applications.

"About 14 thousand doses have arrived for Shkodra. There is no shortage of vaccines if someone wants to apply them because we can get other vaccines from the Institute of Public Health," said Xhabija.

Xhabija calls on citizens to get vaccinated as the only option to protect themselves from the influenza viruses that have affected a large number of people, some of whom are in serious health conditions due to lack of vaccination.

"It is good for all those who have chronic diseases to get vaccinated, as well as those over 60 years old, pregnant women and healthcare personnel. The vaccine is the main factor that protects against the flu. Vaccination is recommended to start in the fall, October-November, but even in this period, those of us who have not yet been vaccinated are recommended to do so because the vaccine protects you."

A two-week period passes and immunity is created in the body. I recommend the flu vaccine because it protects you not only from the flu but also from the complications that the flu causes and from the severe forms that can lead to hospitalization.

"They are a category of people who can have a very serious flu, so they need to be vaccinated. It is important for those people who can develop serious complications such as pneumonitis, bronchopneumonia or even heart problems that the flu can cause," said Xhabija.

According to official data, during the month of January, there were about 3,000 people affected by the flu in Shkodra, a high figure.

Unlike previous years, this time, according to doctors, the flu has been much more aggressive for many infected people, causing serious complications but so far without fatalities. /CNA