The illness season has arrived. The Ministry of Health has denied reports of a new virus emerging.

The First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, Nurmat Atabekov, noted that seasonal respiratory diseases transmitted through the air are typical for the autumn-winter period. Therefore, according to him, there is no need to worry or panic about this.

He observed that the sharp drop in temperature in the republic has led people to ventilate their rooms less frequently. Due to tightly closed doors and windows, the concentration of viruses in the air has increased, which has intensified the spread of infections.

The specialist also reminded about the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). Initially, there is an itching sensation in the nasal mucosa, followed by partial loss of smell, sneezing, and a runny nose. In the next stage, symptoms may include a sore throat, plaque, pain, hoarseness, and a dry cough. Such symptoms in a patient may be caused by influenza, parainfluenza, rhinovirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus.

Commenting on rumors about a new virus, the doctor emphasized that to date, around 45,000 mutations of the coronavirus are known, but only 10-15 of them have caused diseases. "There is no need to panic about mutations," said Nurmat Atabekov.

The specialist explained that there is currently a monitoring system in place that allows for tracking the spread of viruses in Uzbekistan, and samples of viruses taken from patients are continuously checked and analyzed in the relevant laboratories.

To prevent the spread of viruses and infections, citizens are advised to limit visits to public places when symptoms of illness appear, maintain social distancing, and use medical masks, especially for those who are ill and for caregivers. At the first signs of illness, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately.