Stating that the flu is more aggressive this year and the severity of the epidemic is higher, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu: "In 2009, we suddenly encountered an epidemic. When we look back on history, we see that this virus has become much stronger every 10 years. People in the risk group may develop infections in the brain and heart due to the flu, which can lead to death.
Stating that influenza is a virus that always surprises the world of medicine and infection, Yeditepe University Hospitals Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu: ''When it comes to the flu, we may not always meet what we expect during the flu season, because it's the fastest-changing virus. It is the only disease that is vaccinated every year.” 

Become Much Stronger Every 10 Years

Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu: "In 2009, we suddenly encountered an epidemic. When we look back at history, we see that this virus has become much stronger every 10 years. It's been 10 years since the swine flu outbreak in 2009, so we have been expecting that kind of change. Because every 10 years a line is drawn and it slowly rises. When it completes 10 years, there will be a big increase and it will create a much more severe epidemic. Then it becomes gradually less.''

"Hospitalization Rates Are Higher Than Last Year"

Stating that the flu has been more aggressive this year and the severity of the epidemic is higher, Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu: “This year started a little earlier than last year and continues with a higher course. We started to see many cases, and the hospitalization rates were higher than last year. It will continue to rise in January and reach the top in February.”

“There is a Big Epidemic in Schools”

Stating that there is a big epidemic in schools and there is an epidemic in every area that is closed, Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu remarked the fact that schools are going on 15 holidays will reduce diseases a little more. 
Noting that the protection of the influenza vaccine is indisputable, Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu: "We are not saying everyone should get vaccinated, which is not necessary, because the flu does not occur with the same severity in everyone. Some can rest at home and get over it, but some are hospitalized. Especially risk groups come with very serious illnesses. Complications develop, but the disease is not limited to the throat and nose; it can descend to the sinuses, ears, bronchi, and lungs, and even cause infections in the brain. As a result, mortality rates increase with cardiac membrane infections (myocarditis) and brain infections. We recommend vaccination so that the disease does not get worse in these groups. The right time to get vaccinated is September, October, and November. However, if you have not been in that period, you can get vaccinated in December and January. ” 

According to the World Health Organization, the people in the risk group are:
* Persons over 65 years of age
* Infants between the ages of 6 months and 2 years,
* Pregnant women 
* Those who are overweight,
* Those who live in environments such as nursing homes, 
* Those with chronic diseases such as asthma, kidney, diabetes, heart,
* People whose immune system is suppressed due to various diseases,
The flu vaccine is given free of charge to people in the risk group with a doctor's prescription. 

If You See These Symptoms, Consult A Doctor Immediately

Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu: "The most important clue for us is that we think of influenza in every patient who consults us with a high fever at the end of December and in January and February. In these months, patients who come to the hospital with high fever, sore throat, and redness in the eyes are evaluated as having influenza. The person suddenly begins to have a high fever, for example; the patient is very good until 15.00, but at 15.30 he suddenly starts to tremble, his knees are untied, his joints hurt, his throat burns, his eyes dry, he cannot look at the light, he coughs, has a severe headache and collapses where he is. Symptoms begin suddenly and complaints gradually increase. In this case, you must go to the doctor.'' 

Press Coverage: haberturk.com