"Adherence to the regulations against coronavirus has led to the reduction of other respiratory viruses, as the basic principles of defense are the same," Alexandre Goginava, an infectious disease specialist at the Tbilisi Infectious Diseases Hospital, told Report.ge.
According to Goginava, compared to previous years, the flu vaccination rate is higher this year, which also played a positive role.
"Seasonal viruses are characterized by epidemic explosions and do not circulate the same way each season. There are seasons when different serotypes circulate more or less, which can also be caused by natural processes. The second very important factor is that anti-coronavirus regulations and adherence to recommendations such as wearing a mask, keeping a distance, mobility drop, and all of these are preventative measures for other respiratory infections, so if we follow the recommendations, it will prevent seasonal viruses like coronavirus. This is why adhering to the regulations has led to a reduction in other respiratory viruses as well, as the basic principles of defense are the same. It is important to note that the vaccination rate is higher this year, which has also played a positive role. The current situation caused an increase in the vaccination rate. The public shows interest, information campaigns are also very active, and people are more aware of the situation," Alexandre Goginava told Report.ge.
