Further exacerbation of respiratory infections, the coming weeks are characterized as difficult, the Medical Association of Athens notes, urging patients to contact their doctor in time to prevent complications.

ISA President George Patulis convened a broad meeting with representatives from SFEE, PEF, EODY and scientific associations to discuss the need for timely antiviral drugs and the use of new therapies by the scientific community coronavirus.

The Minister of Health intervened. Thanos Pleuriswho indicated that “ISA’s request will be granted, for the mandatory provision of all medicines prescription, in accordance with sound scientific practice.”

Also, he said, “a request for re-evaluation of medicines that are on the OTC list is being considered,” the ISA said in a statement.

For his part, ISA President G. Patoulis referred to the next critical period during which “a further outbreak of coronavirus, this year’s aggressive flu and other viruses” is expected, and urged the scientific community to be on the alert. .

At the same time, the shortage of medicines observed on the market was discussed. SFEE President Olympios Papadimitriou expressed his assessment that the situation will return to normal in the near future, provided, however, that demand does not increase further.

For his part, PEF authorized adviser Vassilis Pentafragas called the problem eternal and assured that the Greek pharmaceutical industry has reserved raw materials for the coming months to ensure market sufficiency.

Subsequently, EODY 1st Vice President Prof. Dimitris Paraskevis referred to the latest epidemiological data and stressed the need, especially for the elderly, to take a booster dose for the corona virus. Professors Giorgos Saroglu and Kyriaki Kanelopoulou mentioned the need to expand the use of antivirals, explaining that the new guidelines state the following:

• people over 60 years of age with flu-like symptoms should use antiviral drugs
• Every patient over 60, even without comorbidities, is indicated to take an antiviral drug for coronovirus, as it has been shown to largely prevent hospitalization and reduce the likelihood of long-term covid.

Professor and member of the National Committee on Immunization George Chroussos noted that the biggest problem for children at the moment is syncytial virus, as many children have not been immunized due to the pandemic. Regarding the flu shot, he clarified that it is mandatory for children under one year old, and for other children, on the recommendation of a doctor.

^{Source: RES-IPE}