Bulgarian health expert predicts influenza peak for early 2025

Professor Todor Kantardzhiev, former director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, has provided guidance regarding the upcoming respiratory virus season. He predicts that the peak of the influenza season will likely occur in late January or early February.

Currently, the epidemiological situation remains calm, with infections primarily caused by bocaviruses, metapneumoviruses, and rhinoviruses. Kantardzhiev noted that while sore throats in adults are often viral, children may experience bacterial infections, such as scarlet fever. He advised that the spread of infections could be slowed by sunny weather, which encourages people to spend time outdoors rather than in close indoor contact.

To mitigate risks, the specialist recommended several preventative measures: practicing good hand hygiene, using nasal tissues, and avoiding close contact when symptomatic. He also suggested that elderly individuals consider wearing masks in crowded public spaces, such as supermarkets or public transport, especially when others are coughing or sneezing. Regarding vaccination, he noted that the optimal time to vaccinate is before the expected peak in morbidity.