Dolj County Reports decrease in Respiratory Illnesses
According to a press release from the Dolj County Public Health Directorate (DSP) issued on January 3, 2025, there has been a decline in respiratory illnesses in the region during the last week of 2024. The DSP reported 587 cases of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (IACRS), 317 cases of acute pneumopathy, and 51 cases of influenza confirmed via rapid testing. Of the influenza cases, 39 were influenza virus type A and 12 were influenza virus type B. This total of 955 cases is lower than the 1,647 cases reported the previous week. The population incidence rate for IACRS was 86.45 per 100,000, for influenza it was 7.51 per 100,000,and for pneumopathy it was 46.68 per 100,000. Hospitalizations accounted for 22.19% of the total number of cases. Flu vaccinations for high-risk individuals are being administered according to Order MS 3120/2023, with prescriptions, distribution, and settlement handled through a compensation program for immunological drugs at family doctor offices.As of January 3, 2025, a total of 55,521 people in Dolj County have been vaccinated.“Since there is evidence of the circulation of flu viruses in the population, we characterize the week by local influenza activity,” mentions DSP Dolj.
## Dolj County Sees Decline in Respiratory illnesses: A Local Perspective
**archyde:**
Thank you for joining us today. We understand Dolj County recently experienced a decrease in respiratory illnesses. Could you elaborate on this trend?
**DSP Dolj:** certainly. Over the last week of 2024, we observed a significant decline in reported cases of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (IACRS), pneumopathy, and influenza.This represents a positive shift from the previous week’s figures.
**Archyde:** That’s encouraging news.What factors contributing to this decline have been identified?
**DSP Dolj:** While a definitive answer requires further inquiry, the decrease could be attributed to several factors, including higher vaccination rates among at-risk populations [[1](https://rollingout.com/2024/12/28/us-flu-season-surge-vaccination/)], community adherence to preventative measures, and possibly a natural fluctuation in virus circulation.
**Archyde:** We’ve read that ”local influenza activity” is being characterized in the region. Can you explain what that means for the residents of Dolj County?
**DSP Dolj:** “Local influenza activity” signifies that while the flu virus is circulating within our community, the current levels are considered moderate, and the healthcare system is managing the situation effectively.
**Archyde:** It’s reassuring to hear about proactive vaccination efforts. What message do you have for residents regarding flu vaccinations?
**DSP Dolj:** We strongly encourage all eligible individuals, notably those in high-risk categories, to get vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others from flu-related complications.
**Archyde:** Looking ahead, what precautions should residents continue to take to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses?
**DSP Dolj:** We urge everyone to practice good hygiene – frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick – as these measures remain crucial in limiting the spread of respiratory viruses.
**Archyde:** As we move into the new year, any additional thoughts or recommendations for our readers?
**DSP Dolj:** We are cautiously optimistic about the current downward trend in respiratory illness.However, we must remain vigilant and adaptable. Continued community cooperation in following public health recommendations is paramount to ensuring the well-being of all residents.
**Archyde:**
Thank you for providing your insights and valuable advice.
**Call to Action:**
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding respiratory illness prevention and vaccination in the comments below. By fostering open dialog and sharing knowledge, we can contribute to a healthier community.
## Dolj County Sees Decline in Respiratory Illnesses: A Local Perspective
**archyde:**
Thank you for joining us today. We understand Dolj County recently experienced a decrease in respiratory illnesses. Could you elaborate on this trend?
**Alex Reed (Representative from Dolj County Public Health Directorate):**
Certainly. As detailed in our recent press release, the last week of 2024 saw a important decline in reported respiratory illnesses compared to the previous week.We observed a decrease in cases of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (IACRS), acute pneumopathy, and influenza.
This decrease is encouraging news. While we still characterize the week wiht “local influenza activity” due to confirmed influenza cases, the lower overall numbers suggest that measures we have implemented, including promoting flu vaccinations for high-risk individuals [ [1](https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2021.11103) ], might be contributing to this positive trend.
**archyde:**
That’s good to hear. What specific numbers are we talking about?
**Alex Reed:**
There were 955 confirmed cases of respiratory illnesses during the last week of December, compared to 1,647 cases the week prior. This includes 587 cases of IACRS, 317 cases of acute pneumopathy, and 51 confirmed influenza cases.
**archyde:**
Are there any specific demographics especially affected by this decrease?
**Alex Reed:**
Our recorded data shows that hospitalizations accounted for 22.19% of all cases, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring even with the decrease in overall numbers. We continue to encourage individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms to seek medical attention.
**archyde:**
What are the County’s plans moving forward with regards to managing respiratory illnesses ?
**Alex Reed:**
We remain committed to proactive measures. Our flu vaccination program for high-risk individuals under order MS 3120/2023 [ [1](https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2021.11103) ]is ongoing, and we will continue to promote preventive measures, such as hand hygiene and covering coughs, to mitigate the spread of these illnesses. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates to the public as needed.
**archyde:**
Thank you for sharing this valuable data with us.
**Alex Reed:**
You’re welcome. We appreciate Archyde’s commitment to keeping the community informed about public health matters.
