Tunisia – Peak of seasonal flu epidemic expected in mid-February

The director general of the National Pharmacovigilance Center and member of the scientific committee on vaccination, Riadh Daghfous, predicted that Tunisia will reach the peak of influenza virus infections in mid-February, calling for essential precautions to be taken to prevent seasonal flu infections that are currently spreading.

He added that Tunisia has encountered, since November 2023, a widespread of influenza infections, including in particular the H1N1 virus and the H3N2 virus, which have generated an increase in cases and hospitalizations.

Symptoms of infection consist of high temperatures, headache, cough, nausea and abdominal pain, according to Dagfous, who pointed out that the seasonal flu vaccine, currently available in private pharmacies, provides protection against infection by these viruses and decreases the severity of their complications.

He stated that the spread of the COVID-19 virus is very low compared to seasonal flu, calling in the same context to consult a physician to treat the flu, not to take antibiotics for self-medication and to carry out the necessary tests.

He underlined the necessity to follow preventive measures, including washing hands regularly, drinking enough water, taking vitamin C and wearing a mask.