During the fourth week of the year, the frequency of people seeking medical help for flu symptoms increased in 17 administrative areas and decreased in one, with no change in two areas, compared to the previous week. The highest number of cases were reported in the counties of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Győr-Moson-Sopron, and Zala, with the lowest in Heves, Békés, and Csongrád-Csanád. Of the 298 respiratory samples received by the NCPHP laboratory, 30.3 percent tested positive for influenza, 8.8 percent for SARS-CoV-2, and 6 percent for RSV.

There were 222 instances of severe, acute respiratory infections that led to hospitalizations last week, with 19 requiring intensive care. Among those necessitating hospital treatment, 31 percent were children aged 2 or younger, and 41 percent were older than 60. RSV positives were predominantly under 2 years of age, while COVID positives were mainly over 60, although influenza was found across all age groups.

Clinics Are Overwhelmed

Gabriella Mangó, a general practitioner from Gyöngyös, indicated that the proportion of patients presenting with respiratory complaints has risen by about 20 percent over the past two weeks. It has become increasingly difficult to determine based on symptoms whether a patient has coronavirus or influenza, as the course and aftermath of the illness often reveal which virus infection has occurred. Post-Covid still occurs despite the predominance of the milder Omicron variant.

According to the doctor, it is not uncommon for patients to experience both illnesses consecutively or, as tests confirm, sometimes simultaneously yet such dual virus infections do not necessarily cause more severe symptoms.

"How an individual responds to either influenza or Covid, whether with mild or severe symptoms, is determined by their general health," said the doctor. "Nevertheless, sometimes a 70-year-old can have an easier time with it while a 30-year-old struggles to recover." She also noted that recurrent relapses are becoming more frequent, including a small child who has been dealing with recurring feverish illness for 1.5 months.

"The grandparents are now most at risk, as kindergartens and schools are clearly hotspots for upper respiratory infections," the physician observed, a point supported by the latest NCPHP report which noted an outbreak of cough and fever with upper respiratory symptoms in a kindergarten in Hajdú-Bihar County, where influenza was confirmed.

Surprising Symptoms, Unusual Complications

The same doctor reported that fewer people have requested the flu vaccine this season, sensing a general loss of trust and interest in immunization. Respiratory virus infections can cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, in addition to sore throat and cough. "People might even collapse, as influenza can trigger circulatory issues that we might not consider. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and severe muscle pain can also affect patients," she added. The doctor knew of cases where a 6-year-old and a 40-year-old were hospitalized for pneumonia as a complication.

Throat cultures from recurring cases even revealed shingles or Epstein-Barr virus in young people, which was a characteristic post-respiratory infection during the more intense periods of coronavirus outbreaks. The doctor pointed out that antibiotics are only prescribed when there is a secondary bacterial infection, indicated by persistent fever above 38 degrees Celsius, yellowish or greenish nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes, or ear infection. Symptomatic treatment is the only option for viral infections.

Miklós Rusvai, a virology researcher, explained that those with weakened immune systems due to prolonged respiratory illnesses are less able to fight against another pathogen. He also advised mask-wearing after vaccination, as the body is focused on producing antibodies for the specific virus and becomes temporarily vulnerable to other microorganisms. Additionally, Dr. Mangó urged monitoring oxygen levels in the elderly, as anything below 90 percent can necessitate hospital care, a condition that may arise during viral infection.

Is It Too Late for Vaccination?

According to the general practitioner, vaccines for both COVID-19 and influenza are available at hospital vaccination points, with the latter available from family doctors until the end of the epidemic. However, it might take two weeks to develop effective immunity. Prof. Rusvai reminded that protection from a flu shot received in October, when vaccines arrived at general practitioners, should last until the end of the flu season, which could extend until late March, based on previous years. "For those at risk, getting a coronavirus vaccination in September should also provide protection until the same time," he added. Although both vaccines can be administered together, it is considered ideal to wait two weeks between doses.

The doctor also recommended that pregnant women consider getting the flu vaccine, as the illness can come with high fever, which can harm the fetus. Nevertheless, it is better to consider this in the fall. "We don’t take out insurance when the house is already on fire," he said, suggesting that the peak of the epidemic is nearing and that it will pass in about three weeks, expected around the 7th or 8th week.

By early April last year, the number of upper respiratory infections had fallen to a level at which the NCPHP declared the epidemic over. The onset of the current year's epidemic curve follows that of 2023, with a higher number of illnesses. In the 4th week of the year, 30,000 people sought medical attention for flu-like symptoms, which grew to 39,000 people last week. Rusvai also recalled that at the end of December, COVID infections peaked, with the flu rise attributing to the new year.

The specialist suggested that the higher number of cases might be because fewer are requesting vaccines now.

Humid, foggy weather, with calm winds and temperatures between 0-10 degrees Celsius, favors the virus. The epidemic will end if the temperature remains above 15 degrees Celsius for more than two weeks. Experts advise that until then, vaccination, mask-wearing, adherence to hygiene guidelines, a fiber- and vitamin-rich diet, and exercise can help strengthen the immune system.