As of Wednesday, 769 people were hospitalized in Armenia with acute respiratory infections; 81 percent of whom are 0 to 18 years old. As of the same day, 330 people were hospitalized with pneumonia; 65 percent of them are 0 to 18 years old. Epidemiologist Yevgenya Khachatryan, an epidemiologist at the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious and Non-infectious Diseases of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Armenia, stated this in an interview with NEWS.am Medicine.

According to her, although acute respiratory infections are more active in Armenia compared to last year, the number of respective hospitalizations in the last four weeks is almost unchanged.

Speaking about the flu vaccination, the doctor noted that it prevents the severe and extremely severe course of the flu. These vaccinations are recommended primarily for vulnerable groups: children 6 months to 5 years of age, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, healthcare workers, and people 65 and older.

"Despite that, everyone can come to any polyclinic and get a flu shot," Khachatryan added. .

In the case of other respiratory infections, prevention can be ventilation of the closed area, wet cleaning, avoiding human gatherings if possible, and wearing a face mask in public places.

Also, the epidemiologist urged to stay at home in case of acute respiratory infections, to avoid visiting public places, not to engage in self-medication, and to contact the local doctor if necessary.

"If necessary, it is indispensable to contact the local doctor and receive timely treatment, not to use antibiotics that are not indicated for the treatment of respiratory diseases," said Yevgenya Khachatryan.

Possible symptoms of acute respiratory infections are runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, overall weakness, etc.