Influenza and COVID-19 outbreak in Ukraine: epidemic threshold exceeded in 16 regions
21 February 2025 09:13
In recent weeks, Ukraine has seen an increase in the number of cases of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and Covid-19. Last week alone, more than 206,000 people fell ill, including 60% of children. This was announced by Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
According to him, there are 5,406 patients with complications in hospitals who are receiving the necessary medical care. The minister emphasized that the upward trend in morbidity may continue for the next 3-4 weeks.
At the same time, the epidemic threshold has already been exceeded in 16 regions. According to the Ministry, the most difficult situation remains in Khmelnytsky region. In addition, a significant excess is recorded in Volyn, Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Rivne, Ternopil, Cherkasy, and Chernivtsi regions.
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During the conference call, the head of the agency instructed the heads of regional health departments and disease control and prevention centers
- continue daily epidemiological monitoring
- check the provision of hospitals with the necessary medicines
- conduct an additional audit of beds for hospitalization in hospitals and intensive care units.
Lyashko reminded that the flu begins with a sharp rise in temperature, and respiratory symptoms – cough, shortness of breath, mucus discharge and sore throat – are added later. COVID-19, on the other hand, starts with respiratory symptoms.
“In case of illness, be sure to contact your doctor and do not self-medicate. Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and COVID-19. You can get a flu shot not only at the beginning but also throughout the entire epidemic season. Currently, all regions are provided with COVID-19 vaccine. You can get vaccinated by contacting your family doctor,” the Health Minister summarized.
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The most effective protection is vaccination
The Ministry reminded that the most effective prevention of COVID-19 and influenza is annual vaccination, in particular for people at risk. Vaccination against influenza does not protect against COVID-19 and vice versa. Instead, vaccinations against these diseases can be done on the same day or at the recommended interval. COVID-19 vaccinations remain free of charge for the public. Doctors use Pfizer’s Comirnaty omicron-specific vaccines for adults and children. You can get vaccinated by contacting your family doctor.
Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended, because in severe cases, it can cause dangerous complications: damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc. The vaccine is not included in the list of free vaccinations, but it is recommended, especially for people at risk (everyone who works in crowded places: healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, teachers, as well as pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases, children under 5 years of age and people over 60 years of age). As of January 19, 2025, 105,164 people in the country have been vaccinated against influenza.
