 |
| Illustration |
The number of people who died in Greece because of the flu since the end of last year has gone to 39.
According to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KEELPNO), most of the victims have not been vaccinated, while among them is a 12-year old minor.In its statement, the Center reports that there has been an increase in the number of victims as a result of influenza, from 21 to 39 this year, as more than 50 patients are in intensive care.
Most affected are elderly, infant or adult with chronic illness.
Since October last year, 165 patients, including nine children, received treatment at intensive care units.
Health authorities urged people again Thursday to take the flu vaccine and anyone who has flu symptoms should consult a doctor within 48 hours.
"There is a 'flu attack' every year ... The public and the relevant authorities should be alert," said Sotirios Tsiodras, associate professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the University of Athens during a press conference organized by KEELPNO on Thursday.
Tsiodras added that around 30,000-40,000 people die each year in Europe because of the flu, while at least 10-15 percent of the population is infected.
Health authorities said also on Thursday that 2,226,530 vaccines were imported in Greece this year.