Shtip, 11 January 2025 (MIA) — Local outpatient clinics are crowded with people sick with symptoms like sore throat, headache, high fever, fatigue, and fits of coughing, Shtip family physician Valentina Mitrova told MIA's Shtip correspondent.

Given the rising number of infected patients in need of medical care, the peak of the winter wave is expected at the end of January and the start of February, Mitrova said.

She said it was good that schoolchildren were on winter break so the virus would not spread even more in the community, at least until school starts again.

She added that social gatherings were also spreading infections. "The period of socializing is also contributing to this, but one good thing is the school winter break," Mitrova said.

"Patients complain of fatigue, headaches, sore throat, coughing, high fever. These are the most common symptoms," she said, urging sick patients to stay at home to prevent the spread of the disease.

Infected people are advised to rest at home, drink herbal teas and take vitamins, the Shtip doctor said.

According to her, people should also never take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.

Mitreva also recommended that people with underlying conditions, if infected in the winter wave, should seek medical advice instead of using home remedies. mr/