In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, moderate activity of influenza-like illness (ILI) is recorded, with a continuous decrease in activity compared to the previous week. So far this season, a total of 21,677 cases of flu-like illness have been reported, mostly in the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups, is confirmed to Fena from the Institute of Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As they emphasized, a total of 268 samples have been tested for the influenza virus in FBiH so far, of which 55 were confirmed, and 35 samples were positive for type A, subtypes A(H1N1)09 13, A(H3N2) 8 and without subtyping 14 confirmed samples. 20 samples were positive for influenza type B virus, 16 of which were subtype B/Victoria line and four of unknown subtype.
From the Institute of Public Health of FBiH, they note that vaccination against seasonal flu is the only real form of protection, and they are especially recommended for people who have an increased risk of complications from this disease.
Vaccination is recommended for: people over 65 years old, residents and workers of homes for the elderly and institutions for the care of chronic patients (regardless of age, including children), people with chronic diseases (including children), especially heart and lung diseases , and especially for children with impaired lung function (cystic fibrosis, chronic asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and congenital defects.
“In the event that a person for whom vaccination is recommended cannot be vaccinated due to their health condition, persons from their immediate environment (household contacts, persons who provide home medical care, etc.) can be vaccinated instead under the same conditions.”, is stated from the Institute.
Vaccination is also recommended for healthcare workers and pregnant women.
The ideal time to get a flu shot is in October. However, vaccination can be carried out later, as long as the influenza virus is circulating.
The Institute points out that about two percent of the population over the age of 18 was vaccinated against the flu this season.
“The response to the flu vaccination was satisfactory,” the FBiH Public Health Institute points out.
