Flu season in Georgia to begin in November; peak expected in late December and early January – Ivane Chkhaidze

According to Professor Ivane Chkhaidze, Medical Director of the Iashvili Central Children's Hospital, an increase in flu cases in Georgia is expected starting in November, with the peak of seasonal activity likely to occur in late December and early January.

He noted that, based on current statistics, the season is less active compared to the previous two years; there has been a decline in both visits to primary healthcare facilities and hospitalization rates.

"We anticipate that this year's season will align with the patterns indicated by long-term data. The rise in flu cases will begin in November, while the peak of flu activity is likely to occur in late December and early January," Chkhaidze stated. According to the same source, rhinovirus is currently the most prevalent virus circulating in the country, accounting for approximately 60% of laboratory-confirmed cases. Cases of the so-called "old" coronavirus, parainfluenza, and adenovirus are also being recorded; these typically cause mild to moderate illness.

Chkhaidze noted that coronavirus cases have also been consistently recorded over the past few weeks.

"Based on statistics from the National Center for Disease Control, rhinovirus accounts for the largest share, causing 60% of laboratory-confirmed cases. This means that the demand for medical care is concentrated in primary healthcare settings rather than in hospitals," he stated.

Chkhaidze also commented on the early spread of influenza in Japan, stating that this development would not impact the influenza season in Georgia. "Japan is the only country where an early flu outbreak and an early onset of the influenza virus have been recorded. The virus was detected in August, indicating that the current season there is unusual. This has no impact on Georgia, neither in terms of forecasts nor actual consequences," he stated.

He added that no increase in flu cases is currently being observed in Georgia, and a standard pattern is expected for the current season.

According to Ivane Chkhaidze, the optimal time for flu vaccination is considered to be late October and early November, particularly for high-risk groups. These groups include individuals aged 65 and older, people with severe cardiovascular diseases, children under the age of two, and medical personnel.

He also noted that plans are in place to import approximately 200,000 doses of free flu vaccine into the country. According to Chkhaidze, influenza virus strains change annually, and the protection provided by the vaccine does not last for a full year; he noted that the vaccine's protective effect lasts for 6–8 months at best.

"This year, the vaccine's composition has been completely updated. The three-component vaccine means we will offer the public protection against influenza that includes components targeting two Type A strains and one Type B strain of the virus," Chkhaidze stated.

He also reported that the primary components of this year's seasonal flu vaccine correspond to the Type A Missouri, Type A Darwin, and Type B Tokyo strains.