Coronavirus cases increased in Georgia during July and August, says Ivane Chkhaidze, Medical Director of Iashvili Children’s Central Hospital. Speaking at a press conference hosted by media center Mtavari, he explained that the current rise is linked to a subvariant of Omicron, which typically causes only mild respiratory symptoms.
“Recent data from the National Center for Disease Control show that coronavirus is now the predominant virus, responsible for 71% of both hospitalized and outpatient cases,” Chkhaidze said. “However, its course has not changed over the past three years—it does not lead to complications or require hospitalization.”
He stressed that people with chronic conditions should remain vigilant, though he does not expect a surge in cases when schools and kindergartens reopen in September. Instead, he predicted a seasonal increase in acute respiratory infections in November.
Chkhaidze reminded the public that free flu vaccines will once again be available in Georgia this year, especially for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, dialysis patients, and children under five.
“The flu is not an ordinary virus—it can cause serious complications like pneumonia, heart damage, and brain damage,” he warned, urging parents to vaccinate children and the public to take preventive measures such as regular handwashing and proper classroom ventilation.
Photo: Ivane Chkhaidze. Source: IPN
