The recent months have witnessed an uptick in outpatient visits, driven by a mix of viruses manifesting as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and respiratory infections.

Health professionals are encountering patients with symptoms ranging from sore throats and coughs to gastrointestinal issues, indicative of an overlap of viral ailments.

Prof. Dr. Zoran Radovanović, a noted epidemiologist, highlights that although the current number of flu-like and respiratory infections isn't exceedingly high, an increase is anticipated with schoolchildren returning to classes.

'In the United States, they are currently dealing with what is referred to as the 'quadremia',' Radovanović explained, describing a combination of influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus, also colloquially known as stomach flu.

Meanwhile, in China, there's heightened attention on metapneumovirus, with its frequency seeming more pronounced due to increased diagnostic efforts.

Radovanović emphasized that the genuine concern remains avian flu, which poses a potential risk as it has already affected some animals and humans in North America.

While Serbia has not fully identified the 'quadremia' scenario due to less extensive diagnostic practices, Radovanović suggests that infection rates could be underreported.

Samples are sporadically collected for analysis, contrasting with some countries' comprehensive testing strategies, including wastewater surveillance to detect viral loads.

The flu virus, particular strains such as AH1, is confirmed to be circulating in Serbia, with outbreaks documented in healthcare facilities.

Epidemiologist Dr. Ivana Begović Lazarević notes the typical seasonal peak post-holiday season for viral infections, including both flu and COVID-19. She stresses the importance of vaccination, particularly as flu vaccines remain available, urging high-risk groups, such as individuals with chronic conditions and healthcare workers, to get immunized.

'One can only distinguish between flu, COVID-19, or another virus through testing,' Dr. Begović Lazarević remarked, underlining that testing remains the cornerstone of appropriate treatment pathways.

In the past weeks, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 has shown relative stabilization.

'When children return to school post-holiday, flu epidemics are expected.

If you're experiencing congestion, headaches, and lethargy, it's crucial to rest and avoid public places to minimize transmission.'

The World Health Organization reports an annual global death toll ranging from 290,000 to 650,000 due to influenza, emphasizing the potential severity of flu and flu-like infections.

The onset typically involves sudden fever, dry cough, headache, and muscle pain, and while many recover within a week, those at risk for complications or with weakened immune systems face the possibility of severe outcomes.

In Serbia, the ongoing seasonal surveillance has confirmed the presence of influenza across various regions, with both type A and B viruses being detected.

Despite public health messaging, many eligible individuals have yet to receive flu vaccinations, underscoring a need for increased public health initiatives to encourage immunization in the face of potentially deadly viral infections.