Seasonal flu outbreak in Tashkent: Symptoms and safety measures

Social media platforms, including the popular Potrebitel.uz community, have highlighted alarming cases, including reports of children hospitalized with pneumonia and patients experiencing loss of smell, a symptom associated with COVID-19. However, most diagnosed cases are being attributed to rotavirus infections.

The Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Committee of Uzbekistan has addressed these concerns, dismissing claims of an unknown dangerous virus spreading in Tashkent.

Dilfuza Rasulova, First Deputy Head of the Committee’s Tashkent City Division, explained:

"Daily and weekly analyses of respiratory infections and influenza are conducted. Laboratory studies confirm that the current cases are linked to type A seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial viruses, and rhinoviruses, all of which are common acute respiratory infections."

Rasulova clarified that symptoms such as muscle pain, high fever, coughing, eye pain, and nasal discharge align with type A influenza.

To address the surge, Tashkent’s medical facilities have increased the availability of hospital beds and stocked up on antiviral and symptomatic treatments. Authorities have also provided preventive guidelines for citizens:

•  Stay home if experiencing high fever or flu symptoms.
•  Call a family doctor for a home visit rather than visiting clinics.
•  Follow medical advice and adhere to bed rest for a full recovery.

While authorities attribute the outbreak to seasonal flu, the sharp rise in cases highlights the need for public awareness and adherence to preventive measures to curb the spread of infections.