Bulgaria's flu season will get worse this winter, with cases likely to peak at the end of January or in February, says Professor Todor Kantardzhiev, former head of the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. Warm weather could push back the spread of the virus, he says.
The first confirmed flu cases in Bulgaria usually turn up in October, and the virus starts spreading more widely from November.
Kantardzhiev says there's no reason to panic. Finding the first flu cases doesn't automatically mean a bad epidemic is on the way, he says, and finding a certain strain doesn't mean that one will drive the wave, or that it's more dangerous than last year's strains. Right now there's no epidemic spread, he says, and people shouldn't be made to worry over it.
Flu can put someone in bed within two hours, the professor warns. He lists the usual symptoms: high fever, a dry, sore throat, a dry cough, and aching muscles and joints.
People in high-risk groups should get a flu shot in good time and act fast at the first signs of illness, Kantardzhiev advises. He also recommends airing out rooms often, especially classrooms, staying away from people who are coughing or sneezing, and using tissues.
Right now there are fewer respiratory illnesses than at this time last year, Kantardzhiev says.