Algeria: Health Ministry Warns Against Influenza And Calls For Vaccination

The Ministry of Health, Population and Hospital Reform has called on patients suffering from influenza who have complications to seek immediate and rapid medical check-up in the aftermath of the reported death of a patient due to flu complications on Tuesday.

“The vaccination remains the most efficient means of protection against seasonal flu and its complications, especially since this disease is characterized by rapid infection, which is very dangerous for people with chronic disease or for the elderly,” the ministry said in a statement.

The health ministry thus called for anti-flu vaccination, which is provided free of charge at the level of public health facilities and is compensated by the social security fund upon the acquisition of vaccination doses from pharmacies.

“Special attention will be paid to populations with serious health complications, those aged 65 years and over, children with chronic disease, as well as pregnant women and pilgrims,” the statement added.

The health ministry statement also included some guidelines that could lessen the nefarious risk of influenza. 

“The spread of influenza can be minimized or reduced by frequent hand-washing with liquid soap and the use of paper tissues (Kleenex),” it underscored to this effect.