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Armenia is seeing an increase in incidence of acute respiratory diseases at present, however it is not threatening an epidemic or even an outbreak in the country with the situation held under control, Armenia’s Chief infectionist  Ara Asoyan told a news conference on Monday.

The doctor highlighted the spread of acute respiratory infections are seasonal also observed in the same period of previous years. “These are seasonal diseases the spread of which is also triggered by active interaction among the population during the holidays. The cold months of the year also matter; the virus feels much better in this period,” he said.

The infectionist dismissed the public opinion that the virus would disappear upon the arrival of snow. He stated there is no scientific evidence that snowfall contributes to the elimination of infections, but the statistics show a decline in diseases during snow days.

Ara Asoyan informed that nearly 670 patients with flu and acute respiratory diseases are hospitalized in Armenia’s medical institutions with majority of them (around 96) children aged 0-4. According to him, adults also catch up flue or other respiratory infections quite often, however, they generally threat themselves at home and avoid seeking out a doctor.

In the doctor’s words, the number of people seeking medical care has reduced in capital Yerevan in recent days, while the number has increased in the regions.

Ara Asoyan at the same time noted A and B type flu cases are widespread in Armenia.