Public health officials in Bihor county, Romania are reporting a recent uptick in respiratory illness cases, though levels remain within typical ranges for mid-November. The county’s epidemiological surveillance department recorded nearly 4,800 acute upper respiratory infections last week, a slight increase from the prior week, and pneumonia cases also saw a minor rise. While no influenza cases have been confirmed to date, authorities are urging residents to take preventative measures as temperatures drop and respiratory pathogens continue to circulate.
Respiratory illness cases are trending upward in Bihor County, Romania, though current levels remain within expected ranges for this time of year, public health officials reported. Despite the increase, no confirmed cases of influenza have been detected in the region so far this season, based on PCR testing.
Between November 10th and November 16th, the county’s epidemiological surveillance department recorded 4,767 cases of acute upper respiratory infections (AURIs). This represents a rise from the 4,410 cases reported the previous week, but is lower than the 6,022 cases observed during the same period last season. Of those affected by respiratory infections, 34 patients required hospitalization.
During the same period, 965 cases of pneumonia and bronchopneumonia were also reported, an increase compared to the 927 cases recorded the week prior. However, this number is still lower than the 1,128 cases reported during the same timeframe last year, with 89 individuals needing hospital care. This data highlights the continued circulation of respiratory pathogens and the importance of preventative measures.
As of November 17th, a total of 20,154 doses of influenza vaccine had been administered throughout the county.
With temperatures dropping, the Bihor County Public Health Directorate is reminding residents to take steps to reduce their risk of infection. These include maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding exposure to cold temperatures, frequent handwashing, using disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing, avoiding crowded spaces, and wearing masks at large events. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, or headache are advised to self-isolate and contact their family doctor, and to avoid self-medication, particularly the use of antibiotics without a prescription.
Residents seeking vaccination who have not yet received their flu shot can obtain a prescription from their family doctor. The vaccine is also available at the following pharmacies in Oradea:
Dr Max – 7 Ștefan Octavian Iosif Street, Decebal Retail Park
Dr Max – DN 79, Galeria Carrefour Era
Help Net – 22 Decebal Boulevard, Bl. C104/B
Codins – 2 Meziadului Street
Medica Plus – 11A Ion Bogdan Street
Belladona – 21 Emanuel Gojdu Street
For additional medical assistance, residents of Bihor County can also access permanent care centers, a list of which is available on the Bihor County Public Health Directorate’s website.
