Ante portas is now the seasonal flu, and our scientists are calling on us to show increased health preparedness both as a country (public health issue) and as a separate citizen, as the behavior of the virus tends to be unpredictable.
At the same time, as they say, the readiness of health professionals must also be increased , as it has unfortunately proved not to be vaccinated.
Scientists in Greece are reassuring, however, they recommend vaccination of most of the Greek population, as they say, the virus presents complications and inevitable deaths each year.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, over the period 2017-2018, flu viruses of the type A (H3N2) will prevail , the same executives who dominated Australia without being able to exclude, or to a lesser extent co-circulation of B strains, the subtypes of which are covered by this year's vaccine.
Proficiency of vaccines
Greece has ensured the availability of influenza vaccines, while a marker for vaccination in 2017-2018, according to the National Vaccine Commission and the Ministry of Health, has all individuals after the age of 6 months, especially the high-risk groups.
The above figures for the prevention of this year's flu have been made public during a Round Table Discussion by distinguished scientists, who have not missed a clear position on anti-vaccination. The event took place in the context of the launch of the 3rd lecture series of the Institute of Public Health of the American College of Greece , aiming at providing reliable information to the public on topical issues of Public Health.
The opening of the event was welcomed by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health Mr Yannis Basskozos and the Director of the Institute, Professor Panayiotis Behrakis . The discussion was co-ordinated by Professor Emeritus of Pathology and Infectious Diseases of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mr. George Saroglou , and the President of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Mr. Theophilos Rosenberg , the President of the Panhellenic Medical Association, Mr. Michael Vlastarakos , President of the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association Mr. Kyriakos Theodosiadisand Deputy Director of the Institute of Public Health of the American College of Greece, pneumologist Anna Tzortzis.
"The epidemic outbreaks of influenza and measles is the price we pay as a society to the irresponsible attitudes and practices of the so-called anti-vaccination movement," said the director of the Institute of Public Health of the American College of Greece, Mr. Panagiotis Behrakis, who stated that " Prevention is the most important field of modern medicine that is growing world-wide".
This year's flu will cause an upsurge
Emeritus Professor of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Mr. George Saroglou, stressed that flu this year is expected to cause an upsurge, which is why the need for information and prevention is being created. As he said: "Influenza occurs in two forms: either as an annual seasonal flu , which will cause every year some inevitable deaths or an epidemic like the one we experienced in 2009-2010. There are no indications of pandemic influenza strains this year for Europe, but 108 laboratory confirmed deaths from influenza last year make it imperative to watch and prevent through appropriate vaccinations, "Mr Saroglou said.
The dimension of the problem in Greece
In his speech Influenza Influenza: The dimension of the problem in Greece, the president of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDCP), Mr. Theophilos Rosenberg, stressed the need to remember that every year the flu is responsible for a significant percentage of morbidity and mortality in Greek population.
"During the period 2016-2017 the flu subtype A (H3N2) prevailed, with a smaller wave of influenza B towards the end of the period. Seriously fewer cases of laboratory confirmed influenza were observed, but, at the same time, there was a large increase in overall mortality, almost exclusively in those aged over 65 . The vast majority of patients hospitalized in ICU or died of laboratory confirmed influenza had not been vaccinated, although they belonged to a high-risk group, "said Mr Rosenberg, who added that" the above demonstrates the importance of influenza vaccination, as the best available means of protection against the disease ".
As the country's competent Public Health Organization, as every year this year, HCDPC is planning actions to address the outbreak of seasonal influenza and hence protect citizens. "In this context, cooperation with the Institute of Public Health and the Pan-Hellenic Medical Association, an institution that represents the medical world of the country, is more than ever imperative," concluded Mr Rosenberg.
Doctor's role & vaccination of healthcare
During his appointment on The role of the doctor in the treatment of influenza, the president of the Panhellenic Medical Association (PIS), Mr. Michael Vlastarakos, recommended that the doctors of the whole country be vaccinated against influenza. "Doctors and all health professionals should shield not only themselves but also the rest of the population with influenza vaccination to prevent the outbreak of influenza," he said.
Dangerous Anti-Augmentative Armageddon
"Pharmacists recall the need for vaccination for insured persons and in general for those who come, thus enhancing the role of pharmacist in primary health care and prevention. The 11,000 pharmacies can be the nucleus of information to the public, according to the medical community's instructions, "said Dr Pandos, the chairman of the PFI, Mr. Kyriakos Theodosiadis , in his speech" The role of the pharmacist in the treatment of influenza , "and described the anti-vaccination views as" dangerous " . "The Armageddon of anti-vaccination is the most important danger at the time we are going. Doctors, pharmacists, and other health care professionals mustto start direct synergies and collaborations for the immediate and early vaccination of the population , "Mr. Theodosiades said, adding that 90% of vaccinations are made in the country's pharmacies.
43% increase in vaccinations
"Although Greece is showing an increase in the rate of influenza vaccines, we still remain at a low rate compared to the European target," she said in her speech "Anti Viral Vaccination: What is happening in Greece, the deputy director of the Institute of Public Health of the American College of Greece, Anna Tzortzis , who also referred to "the need for valid and scientifically documented information as a means of protection against irresponsible and misleading views that lead to dangerous practices for the individual and public health. A typical example is the topical issue of the epidemic outbreak of measles ".
According to ELSTAT , there is a statistically significant increase in the vaccination trend of 43%on a representative sample in the Greek population from 2009 to 2014. However, vaccination coverage in 2014 was 32.5% in the general population and 40.2% in those with chronic diseases, while WHO and the EU. recommend vaccination of 75% of people at high risk.
According to HCDCP data for the period 2016-2017, the same upward trend is observed in healthcare professionals, with a 65% increase in hospitalizations and 42% in Health Centers . "However, in the sensitive area of health," as Mrs Tzortzis said, "there is still room for higher vaccination coverage for workers, who have to protect their patients, but also become a model for the general public."
What we need to know about seasonal flu
In our country season of seasonal flu is detected from October to April , with its peak being recorded between January and February. It is transmitted from person to person through respiratory secretions, one day before and up to five days after the onset of symptoms. Symptoms last from 2 to 7 days, and most patients recover fully within one to two weeks.
Influenza complications include: microbial pneumonia, exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks in people with bronchial asthma, aggravation of heart failure, dehydration, diabetes deregulation.
All people aged over 6 months have an indication of influenza vaccination if they so wish. More urgent is the indication of vaccination for high-risk groups , including those over the age of 60, children and adults with chronic diseases, pregnant women, convalescence or breastfeeding, obesity, clandestine populations (military, police schools, etc.), carers for infants, patients and the elderly, professionals of special categories (poultry farmers, veterinarians, etc.)
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