Five people in Montenegro have died from complications caused by the influenza virus in the past two months, and one death each has been recorded from respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 infection, which has recently been most frequently recorded in the population over 65 years of age.
The Institute of Public Health (IJZ) responded to "Vijesti" that the percentage of positive samples tested for the presence of the influenza virus is many times higher than for SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). During the past week, from February 24 to March 2, 112 people per 100.000 inhabitants fell ill with influenza-like illnesses.
"At the same time, the percentage of positive samples tested for the presence of the influenza virus is many times higher than the positivity of samples tested for SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, which further supports the current dominance of the seasonal influenza virus," claim the Institute of Public Health.
They explained that from the end of September until three days ago, 1.447 people were tested for the presence of the influenza virus. 532 samples were positive, and the majority of those infected (61,1 percent) had influenza type A (H3 and H1), and 207 or 38,9 percent had influenza type B (Victoria). During the same period, 688 people were tested for the presence of RSV, of which 116 were positive, and most (72 percent) were children under the age of four. 2 samples were tested for SARS-CoV-6.066 (in public health institutions), of which 190 were positive, and most were over 65 years old.
The virus is not treated with antibiotics, it lasts up to seven days
When asked about the symptoms that accompany the flu virus, the Public Health Institute said that the most common are headache, sore throat, sudden onset of elevated body temperature (up to 39 degrees), joint pain, and cough.
"Rarely, symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may occur. In the majority of the population, these symptoms will, with the use of symptomatic therapy (medicines to lower elevated body temperature, painkillers, cough suppressants), resolve on their own within five to seven days," the IJZ explains.
They say that flu symptoms can last longer in children. They note that viral infections are not treated with antibiotics unless there is confirmation that a bacterial infection has occurred in addition to the viral one.
"We would like to remind you that influenza is a disease that in certain risk groups (such as people over 65 years of age, all chronic patients older than six months, pregnant women, children aged six months to five years, people living in collectives such as nursing homes) is more often accompanied by the appearance of disease complications and death," the Public Health Institute points out.
15 percent more citizens vaccinated this year
The Public Health Institute says that it is important that all elderly, chronically ill, pregnant women, children under five years of age, and people living in collectives get vaccinated every year against seasonal flu and reduce the risk of severe forms of the disease:
"Considering the available data for seasonal influenza vaccination, we can say that vaccination coverage during the winter months has shown some progress compared to previous years. So far, over 18.000 doses of seasonal influenza vaccine have been administered, which represents an increase of about 15 percent compared to the previous year."
The Public Health Institute emphasizes that in addition to vaccination, timely administration of antiviral medications, such as neuraminidase inhibitor drugs (oseltamivir - the generic name Tamiflu is available in Montenegro) is also important for people at increased risk of developing flu symptoms. These are medications that are administered exclusively with a doctor's prescription after assessing the benefit-risk ratio.
The Public Health Institute responded that interest in vaccination against Covid-19 is much lower compared to previous years, which is expected given the small number of new cases (the percentage of positive samples tested for the presence of the virus ranges between 1 and 2 percent) and the generally milder clinical picture.
"Less fear of disease and complications from Covid-19 has led to a lack of interest in vaccination, but vaccination (occasional booster doses of newer versions of the vaccine in accordance with recommendations) remains a key protective measure for people from risk groups, as Covid-19 can still cause complications and contribute to death in them," the IJZ claims.
The number of infected people has been increasing since January 20th.
The Public Health Institute says that since September 30th of last year, intensive surveillance of seasonal influenza has been underway, which will last until the last week of May 2025.
"This type of surveillance involves epidemiological and laboratory surveillance during which, in addition to seasonal influenza activity, the activity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 are monitored. During the aforementioned period, the Institute's laboratory conducts analyses for the influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV through sentinel surveillance in primary health care institutions, as well as testing of all indicated hospitalized patients," the institution explains.
They say that a trend of increased flu virus activity has been registered over the last two months, and especially since January 20. Since that date, they claim, broad geographic activity of the medium-intensity flu virus has been registered, which is also the case in other countries in the region, namely Europe.
"At the same time, the percentage of positive samples tested for the presence of the influenza virus is many times higher than the positivity of samples tested for SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, which further supports the current dominance of the seasonal influenza virus," the Institute of Public Health states.
The deceased were not vaccinated.
During January and February, five people died from the flu, aged 36, 63, 64, 72 and 83. All of the deceased, according to the Public Health Institute, had underlying illnesses and were not vaccinated against seasonal flu. They explain that in the period from February 17 to 23, one death was reported each due to RSV and SARS-CoV-2 infection, and both people were over 65 years old and had comorbidities.
Bonus video:
