At the end of January and the beginning of February, the flu is once again the number one topic in Bulgaria. Several regions have already gone through a declared flu epidemic, others are on the verge, and doctors are reporting an increase in complications – bronchitis, pneumonia and exacerbation of chronic diseases. Health authorities are warning that the season is entering its peak and are urging people to be more careful – both towards the symptoms and towards daily habits.
According to data from the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, flu A is currently dominant, mainly the H3N2 strain, and the average morbidity in the country is within the range of hundreds of patients per 10,000 people, with values significantly higher in some areas. Temporary anti-epidemic measures were introduced in Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna, Dobrich and other regions, including flu vacations for students.
How the flu manifests itself and when to react
Unlike many other winter viruses, the flu starts suddenly. People often describe the moment with the phrase "I was fine in the morning, I was run over in the evening". Typical symptoms are:
- high fever, which can reach over 38.5–39 degrees;
- severe fatigue and a feeling of "brokenness";
- muscle and joint pain;
- headache, often behind the eyes;
- dry cough, sore throat, runny nose.
Doctors advise seeking medical attention in case of a sharp deterioration – a very high fever that is difficult to control, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, a severe worsening of the condition in children, the elderly and patients with chronic diseases. In risk groups (cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, pregnancy, diabetes), self-medication is particularly dangerous.
How not to get sick: basic, but working measures
It sounds banal, but the main weapons against the flu are the same ones that have been recommended for years – we just need to follow them consistently:
- Regular hand washing – with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. When this is not possible, an alcohol-based disinfectant is a good alternative.
- Avoid touching the face – the eyes, nose and mouth are the "gateway" for viruses.
- Ventilating the rooms – several times a day, especially in homes, offices and classrooms, where there are more people.
- Avoiding close contact with the sick – if someone around us is coughing, sneezing, visibly ill, it's better to keep our distance, no matter how uncomfortable it may seem.
- Staying at home when we are sick – "I will get through the day on my feet" usually means infecting several more people and increasing the risk of complications for ourselves.
Vaccination: why autumn is not the only chance
Experts remind that the flu vaccine remains the best specific prevention. The World Health Organization recommends the composition of vaccines every year according to the dominant strains for the season. For 2025/2026, they include updated variants of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and influenza B.
It is optimal to get the vaccine in October–November, but with the typical delay of the flu wave in Bulgaria at the end of January, immunization may also make sense in December. Immunity usually develops in about 2 weeks and lasts for at least 6 months. Although the vaccine does not guarantee 100% protection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and complications, especially in the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
How to strengthen immunity without miraculous recipes
Immunity is not "raised" with one tablet or tea, but is built with a series of small, constant habits:
- Sleep – 7–8 hours a night are more valuable than a handful of supplements. Lack of sleep weakens the defenses.
- Nutrition – more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, nuts. Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and selenium are also obtained from food; if a deficiency is proven, a doctor may recommend supplements.
- Exercise – moderate physical activity (brisk walking, exercise at home, sports) improves blood circulation and supports the immune system.
- Less stress – chronic stress suppresses immunity. Short walks, breathing exercises, time without a screen before bed – all this matters.
- Without "supporting" with alcohol and cigarettes – both weaken the defense mechanisms and increase the risk of complications.
What to do if we do get sick
If the flu "catches" us, the most important thing is to give ourselves time for real recovery. Doctors recommend:
- rest at home, without heroic going to work or school;
- a lot of fluids – water, tea, broths, to avoid dehydration;
- light, frequent meals – we don't need to force ourselves, but also not to be completely without energy;
- antipyretics (fever medicines) and other medications – only according to a scheme recommended by a doctor or pharmacist;
- observation for warning symptoms – severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, worsening after initial improvement – a reason to immediately seek medical attention.
The flu cannot be "erased" from winter, but we can reduce the chance of getting seriously ill. The combination of basic hygiene, sensible behavior, immunization if possible, and care for sleep, nutrition and exercise is the safest shield. And if we do get sick – timely reaction and not ignoring the signals of our own body remain the most important.