Swine flu dwindles in Armenia

The H1N1 (swine flu) virus in Armenia is retreating, and the number of patients with acute respiratory infections has decreased, Acting Health Minister Arsen Torosyan claims.

So far in Armenia, only one death has been attributed to the H1N1 virus this season.

Doctors say that, despite the fact that the virus is dwindling, there is still a risk of infection, and for that reason the Armenian Ministry of Health has decided that clinics will be on duty on Saturdays and Sundays from morning until 15:00.

Students returning to school

As of 16 January, the number of students absent from school decreased to 2.4%.

Fewer patients infected with seasonal viruses are in hospital.

“Today, about fifty fewer children have been hospitalized in Armenia: on 15 January, 792 children with acute respiratory infections were hospitalized, while on 16 January 746 children. The same trend is observed in adults,” said the Acting Minister of Health.

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Increased number of patients with pneumonia

However, more people have come down with pneumonia this year. Last year 254 cases of pneumonia were recorded, while this year the number rose to 377.