Respiratory infections in Bulgaria are on the rise and have already reached figures comparable to the same period last year, according to Prof. Todor Kantardzhiev, former director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases.
Speaking to NOVA NEWS, he noted that while infection rates had been lower earlier in the season, recent weeks show a noticeable upward trend.
Although influenza is not yet widespread, Prof. Kantardzhiev warned that a wave of flu cases is expected in the coming weeks as temperatures continue to drop. “We are currently observing a steady increase in respiratory illnesses, and influenza is likely to appear soon,” he said.
Regarding COVID-19, the epidemiologist reported a modest rise in weekly cases, from 200 to 360, an increase of 166 cases. Despite this growth, he emphasized that the situation remains far more stable compared to the peak of the pandemic, when thousands of infections were recorded daily.
At present, the most common respiratory illnesses in Bulgaria are mild infections caused by adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, bocaviruses, and metapneumoviruses. Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – which poses significant risks for newborns and infants – remain relatively rare, providing some reassurance to health professionals.
Prof. Kantardzhiev urged Bulgarians to take simple preventive measures to minimize the spread of infections. He advised adults to consult their physicians about seasonal flu vaccinations and consider receiving pneumococcal vaccines, which can help prevent pneumonia and are recommended every five years.
For children, around 15,000 doses of nasal flu vaccine are already available across the country. The professor cautioned parents against administering fever-reducing medicines without medical advice, particularly after vaccination.
Addressing COVID-19 vaccination, Kantardzhiev said that healthy young adults generally do not need the newly modified booster dose. However, he recommended it for vulnerable groups such as individuals with autoimmune diseases, cancer patients, and those prone to frequent lung infections — after consulting their doctor.
He noted that vaccination provides optimal protection about one month after administration, with partial immunity developing after two weeks. Therefore, he suggested that mid-December is an ideal deadline for individuals planning to get vaccinated ahead of winter.
Asked about the development of a combined flu and COVID-19 vaccine, Prof. Kantardzhiev confirmed that such a product does not yet exist but remains under research. Scientists are also working on potential vaccines that could include protection against respiratory syncytial virus.
In a related scientific development, Kantardzhiev shared insights from the World Congress on Oncology held in Berlin. Preliminary findings suggest that RNA vaccines may have a positive impact on certain cancer treatments.
Early data show that patients undergoing immunotherapy for lung cancer or melanoma exhibited favorable immune responses when vaccinated against COVID-19.
While emphasizing that these results are still preliminary, Kantardzhiev described the discovery of RNA vaccine delivery via fat microdroplets as a major technological breakthrough, allowing the vaccine’s genetic material to enter cells effectively — a milestone that could shape future medical advances.