Maia Chkhaidze, the medical director of the Tsitsishvili Children’s Clinic, said that current patient referrals are primarily associated with respiratory virus infections, including confirmed coronavirus.

The most common virus during this period is influenza type A, with approximately 40 patients visiting the emergency department in 24 hours. Additionally, the respiratory syncytial virus is prevalent, particularly affecting children aged 0 to 2 years, leading to severe conditions like bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization. The clinic is also dealing with confirmed cases of COVID-19, with two cases involving children under two months old.

Maia Chkhaidze highlighted the commonality of adenovirus infections and emphasized the frequent occurrence of pneumonia as a complication of influenza.

“Currently, around 45 patients are in the clinic due to respiratory infections and pneumonia,” she added.

Chkhaidze anticipates an increase in cases, especially after the education process resumption.

“We strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated against the flu. The hospital sector, particularly the children’s department, is overloaded. The peak, the increase in cases, is expected at the end of January,” she stated.