Golan respiratory diseases; Did the Chinese virus spread to Iran?

Alireza Naji, professor of virology at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Masih Deneshvari Hospital and head of the Center for Virology Research in Combating Infectious Diseases, said in a conversation with Mehr News Agency reporter: “We are witnessing a significant increase in cases of respiratory diseases in the country. Influenza virus, especially type A, accounts for the largest share of respiratory disease cases and has resulted in a large number of patients being admitted to hospitals. Statistics show that about 40 to 50 percent of respiratory disease cases in the country are related to this virus.

Are respiratory viruses also circulating?

In addition to influenza, other viruses such as covid-19, rhinoviruses (cold viruses), RSV virus, and several others are also circulating, Naji said. Of course, the prevalence of these viruses is much lower than the flu. Covid-19 currently accounts for about 3-4% of cases.

High prevalence of respiratory viruses in China

He added: Reports indicate an increase in pressure on hospitals in China due to the spread of viruses such as Metapneumovirus, Mycoplasma (a bacterium) and influenza. Fortunately, no cases of these viruses or bacteria have been reported in Iran so far, and our focus is more on the viruses that are common in the country.

The savior is the lack of people's acceptance of injections walkin flu He pointed out and said: “Unfortunately, the public reception of the flu vaccine this year has not been appropriate.” One of the reasons for this issue was the lack of imported vaccines. There is also insufficient trust in domestic vaccines. This issue has caused us to see an increase in the circulation of the virus in society.

For which groups is the flu vaccine more necessary?

He added: Influenza vaccination is highly recommended for sensitive groups such as the elderly, children over six months old, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and people with weak immune systems. Also, health system workers and people who are in contact with the elderly or chronic patients must receive the vaccine.

Naji pointed out the best time to inject the flu vaccine and said: The best time to inject the flu vaccine is September and early October, but if people have not been vaccinated yet, it can still be effective and prevent severe cases of the disease. .

The effect of the internal vaccine compared to the external sample

He continued: Domestic vaccines can be effective, but unfortunately, there is public distrust towards them. This problem can be seen even among some medical staff. It is the duty of the Ministry of Health and related institutions to increase people's trust in these vaccines by providing clear and scientific information.

In the end, Naji pointed out: Considering the current conditions and the high prevalence of influenza, it is necessary to observe health principles such as wearing a mask, washing hands continuously, and observing social distance. I also request people to get flu vaccination for themselves and sensitive people around them. Prevention is always better than cure.