Ivane Chkhaidze, Medical Director of the Iashvili Children’s Central Hospital, says it is still too early to conclude that Georgia has passed the peak of the influenza season.
Speaking at a press conference, Chkhaidze noted that influenza viruses account for around 70% of all laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide. The dominant strain within this group is the H3N2 subtype, commonly referred to as the “Hong Kong” virus.
“The dominance of influenza continues across the country, particularly the relatively new H3N2 strain,” Chkhaidze said. “Among confirmed cases, 70% are influenza viruses, and the leading one is H3N2.”
He claimed that current indicators suggest that the highest levels of transmission have not yet been reached. “In terms of patient referrals, outpatient and inpatient facilities have not yet hit peak figures,” he explained.
Chkhaidze added that while infection rates remain high, they are still lower than during the same period last year. “If we compare with last year, February saw higher infection rates than we are observing now,” he said, emphasizing that close monitoring remains necessary as the flu season continues.
Image: Imedinews
