Bulgaria’s healthcare system is responding to a marked increase in flu and other respiratory viruses as teh holiday season begins. The Ministry of Health is urging preventative measures,notably for vulnerable groups like the elderly,young children,and those with underlying health conditions,as data from late December 2025 indicates a rise in Influenza A cases,specifically the H3N2 strain,heavily impacting children under five. health officials are emphasizing the importance of masking, hygiene, and vaccination to mitigate the spread during this peak season.
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Bulgaria is currently experiencing a surge in flu and respiratory illnesses, prompting health officials to issue guidance on preventing infection during the holiday season. The rise in cases is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems, who face a higher risk of complications.
Health officials emphasize several key steps individuals can take to minimize their risk of contracting the flu and other respiratory viruses. These include avoiding crowded indoor spaces whenever possible, and practicing diligent hand hygiene. It’s important to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, as viruses often spread through contaminated surfaces.
Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to stay home for at least four to five days to prevent further transmission. Children exhibiting symptoms should also be kept out of school or organized group settings. If remaining home isn’t feasible during the acute phase of illness, wearing a medical face mask in public areas, on public transportation, and in healthcare facilities is recommended.
Medical masks are currently recommended for healthcare workers and visitors to medical facilities, as well as individuals in high-risk groups when indoors in public spaces like stores and on public transportation. Household members or caregivers of those with the flu should also wear masks, as should anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms when in contact with others.
To be effective, medical masks must be worn correctly and changed regularly – after prolonged use (more than a few hours), or if they become soiled or damp. Proper hand hygiene should be performed immediately after removing and discarding a used mask, and before touching any surfaces or people. This guidance underscores the importance of layered preventative measures to curb the spread of illness.
The Ministry of Health reminds the public that antibiotics are ineffective against the flu. Vaccination remains the most reliable way to protect against severe illness and complications. The vaccine is currently available free of charge for individuals aged 65 and older in Bulgaria.
Recent laboratory data, collected between September 29, 2025, and December 21, 2025, shows that 10.8% (103 out of 958 samples) tested at the National Reference Laboratory of Influenza and Acute Respiratory Diseases confirmed the presence of influenza A viruses, with the A/H3N2 strain being dominant. A significant portion of these cases – 66 – were identified during the week of December 15 to December 21, with 84% occurring in children under the age of five.
In addition to influenza A, 233 other respiratory pathogens were identified in children aged 0 to 5, including rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, bocaviruses, metapneumoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and coronaviruses.
Due to extended holiday breaks, a comprehensive analysis of flu and acute respiratory illness transmission rates will be available at the end of the first full work week of January.
Source: Ministry of Health, Focus News Agency
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