Skopje, 23 January 2025 (MIA) — The current wave of viral infections with flu-like, respiratory symptoms has been fueled by social gatherings indoors as well as schools opening after winter break, according to health authorities. Infections are projected to peak mid-February.

There were "1,412 group reports of people with influenza-like diseases" between Jan. 13 to 19 nationwide, the Public Health Institute said in a press release Thursday. "This is 34.1 percent more compared to the previous week," the PHI noted.

Compared to the same week of 2024, the number of infected people who reported their illnesses this week has dropped by 15.7 percent. Compared to the average modelled number of similar infections over the last 14 winters, this week's official number has increased by 10.4 percent.

Of the newly infected people recorded by health facilities nationwide, 113 were people over 65; 848 were people aged 15 to 64; 251 were children aged five to 14; and 200 were children aged four and under.

The infections were reported by 26 Centers for Public Health. The most cases were recorded in Skopje (422), Kavadarci (150), and Kumanovo (140).

The total number of officially recorded cases of influenza and influenza-like illnesses in the 2024/2025 season is 3,820, the PHI said, recommending seasonal flu shots against the virus.

Citing WHO recommendations, the PHI said vulnerable groups of people who face elevated risk of complications from seasonal influenza virus infection include pregnant women, children aged 6-59 months, the elderly, individuals with specific chronic medical conditions, and healthcare workers.

As of the third week of 2025, a total of 72,348 people in the country have been given a free or commercial flu shot, the PHI added.

"Every year the number of flu cases rises until mid-February, when the peak is expected. It has been like this for years," Commission for Infectious Diseases chair Zlate Mehmedovikj recently told MIA.

He recommended that children with symptoms stay home from school to minimize the spread of the virus. mr/