In a current media presentation, specialist Dr. Gergana Nikolova presented a series of critical health recommendations addressing various aspects of public healthcare and individual prevention.
Analyzing the epidemiological situation, the expert emphasized the exceptional success of the vaccination campaign in Bulgaria regarding measles. The national vaccination coverage reaches an impressive 94%, which practically eliminates the risk of disease spread.
Special emphasis was placed on the newly launched vaccination campaign against human papillomavirus (HPV). Last year's statistical data show an extremely low coverage – only 2.5% of girls were vaccinated. The target group sets the ambitious task of increasing this percentage to 10%.
"Eight out of ten people will encounter this virus during their lifetime. We have a vaccine that can prevent serious health complications – let's use it as responsibly as possible," Dr. Nikolova was adamant.
Among the main challenges during the summer season, the specialist highlights the risks of enterovirus infections. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and acute abdominal pain, which are exacerbated under poor hygiene conditions.
The recommendation regarding sun exposure was extremely important. The medical expert warned about the dangers of excessive exposure without adequate protection, especially for children. It is recommended to use high sun protection factors and avoid direct sunlight between 11 am and 4 pm.
Regarding the introduction of the euro, Dr. Nikolova commented on potential changes in the consumer fee. Currently, the fee amounts to 2.90 leva, which corresponds to approximately 1.48 euros. She emphasized that precise calculations have not yet been made.
Among the key messages was a decisive stance against self-medication and remote medicine. "An electronic referral does not mean remote consultation. Without a direct medical examination, it is impossible to determine an adequate therapy," the specialist stated.
In conclusion, Dr. Nikolova made an urgent appeal to the public – not to underestimate prevention, to take advantage of vaccination opportunities, and to show reasonableness during the summer season.
The full expert discussion is available in video format, which provides additional details and context.