TEHRAN – During the last week, 334 cases of influenza were recorded in medical centers, Ebrahim Qaderi, head of the department of infectious diseases management of the Ministry of Health, has warned.

In the last three weeks, there has been a significant increase in cases of influenza, and it seems that the outbreak season of this disease has begun, and the trend of the infected is on the rise and will increase in the coming months, he said.

The World Health Organization says Iran’s national influenza pandemic preparedness plan is comprehensive.The level of public immunity, especially children, against influenza and respiratory viruses has decreased, that's why this group of people is at risk, so that, we will experience a flu outbreak in the coming months, he also noted.

There are 4 types of seasonal influenza viruses, types A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics of disease.

Seasonal influenza is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat, and a runny nose. The cough can be severe and can last 2 or more weeks. 

Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention. But influenza can cause severe illness or death, especially in people at high risk. Illnesses range from mild to severe and even death. 

Hospitalization and death occur mainly among high-risk groups. Worldwide, these annual epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 290 000 to 650 000 respiratory deaths.

Pandemic preparedness plan

The World Health Organization says Iran has taken a holistic approach to develop its new national influenza pandemic preparedness plan.

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s new national influenza pandemic preparedness plan (IPPP) is comprehensive, multisectoral, and multidisciplinary, WHO said in a report published on October 14.

The national plan reflects lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which were integrated in real-time, and includes other respiratory viruses with pandemic potential for a holistic approach.

In early 2019, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education began drafting its national IPPP, using the three-phased approach defined by WHO’s essential steps in developing or updating a national pandemic influenza preparedness plan.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the Ministry continued developing the IPPP and expanded the planning process by analyzing the gaps and challenges faced during the response and developing a real-time roadmap and implementation plan.

Ultimately, this will help secure the plan’s endorsement by stakeholders and policy-makers.

FB/MG