Today, before the start of a government cabinet session, Armenian Minister of Health Armen Muradyan confessed that there has been a drastic increase in the number of individuals suffering severe respiratory problems.

Muradyan linked the rise in Armenia with the concomitant rise of seasonal influenza A (H1N1) throughout Europe, according to figures provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

There are two main types of influenza (flu) virus: Types A and B. The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.   Over the course of a flu season, different types (A & B) and subtypes (influenza A) of influenza circulate and cause illness.

Seasonal influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is caused by influenza viruses, which infect the respiratory tract (i.e., the nose, throat, lungs). Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. 

Minister Muradyan said that some 15,000 individuals have been given flu shots on a voluntary basis, including at risk persons in retirement homes and childcare centers.

Muradyan said that as of today there are 11 patients, in serious condition, hooked up to artificial respirators.

There are 948 patients being treated today with respiratory infections and another 420 with pneumonia. 114 pregnant women are also under medical supervision. 213 of the 420 patients with pneumonia are children.

 Some 20,000 individuals have visited local polyclinics recently, stated the minister, and 7,000 companied of respiratory problems.

Minister Muradyan stressed that all citizens of Armenia with severe respiratory ailments are being treated at state expense.