Data reveals an increase in influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections among various age groups.
In Serbia, the latest health report highlights a significant incidence of illnesses resembling influenza during the 9th reporting week, from February 24 to March 2, with 14,042 recorded cases.
This represents a slight decrease from the previous week, which noted 14,315 cases.
The report indicates ongoing medium-intensity activity of the influenza virus, with a broad geographic distribution across the country.
The highest incidence rates have been documented among children under four years of age, followed closely by those aged between five and fourteen, as reported by the public health institute Batut.
Conversely, the number of reported cases of acute respiratory infections has increased, reaching 15,843, up from 15,393 the week prior.
The influenza virus has been diagnosed in several districts throughout Serbia, including:
- Šumadijski District
- Belgrade
- SrednJobanjatski District
- Južnobanački District
- Južnobanatski District
- Severnbanački District
- Zapadnobanački District
- Moravički District
- Braničevski District
- Pirotski District
- Zlatiborski District
- Nišavski District
- Kolubarski District
- Mačvanski District
- Raški District
- Rasinski District
- Bor District
- Podunavski District
- Pčinjski District
- Jablanicki District
- Sremski District
- Pomoravski District
- Toplički District
- Zaječarski District
- Under the jurisdiction of the Public Health Institute of Kosovska Mitrovica.
Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses circulating globally.
Four types of seasonal influenza viruses have been confirmed for the 2024/2025 surveillance season:
- Type A (H1pdm09)
- AN3
- A untyped
- Type B.
Influenza is a contagious disease transmitted to healthy individuals through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, as well as through direct contact like handshakes or kissing, and contact with contaminated objects.
Common symptoms of influenza include:
- Elevated body temperature
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle and joint pain
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Increased nasal secretions.
Recent surveys indicate a segment of the population expressing regrets regarding their
COVID-19 vaccinations.
A poll conducted by a public opinion research agency revealed that approximately 3% of respondents regretted receiving one or more
COVID-19
vaccines.
A larger online survey of 6,000 participants demonstrated a higher percentage of individuals voicing feelings of regret related to vaccination.
Respondents indicated health concerns as a primary reason for their regrets, while others pointed to societal or governmental pressure, particularly during the enforcement of the "3G" policy, which restricted access to events and venues for those unvaccinated, untested, or recovered from
COVID-19.
The term "prikspijt," meaning regret over vaccination, was declared the word of the year 2021 in the Netherlands due to its frequent usage among
vaccine skeptics and conspiracy theorists.
Despite this, studies show that adverse effects of the
COVID-19
vaccines remain rare.
A study analyzing 99 million vaccinated individuals worldwide indicated that only a small number experienced severe reactions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, myocarditis, or blood clotting disorders.
Health experts have emphasized that, while adverse effects can occur, the lives saved by vaccination significantly outweigh the risks associated with them.
Nonetheless, skepticism continues among certain populations, with reports of individuals experiencing long-term health issues post-vaccination, including auditory loss, nerve pain, and persistent tinnitus.
The emotional implications of vaccination decisions continue to be a topic of discussion, with psychological experts noting that regret often arises from choices perceived as uninformed or made under social pressure.