THIS year's flu epidemic is already in full swing in some parts of the country and is expected to spread in spite of the low temperatures, reported some of the Bulgarian-language media.
Health authorities in Stara Zagora declared a flu epidemic, closed down schools, kindergartens and limited access to hospitals.
Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Harmanli, Svilengrad and Lubimets were reported to be in a pre-epidemic situation, while in Sliven, Pleven and Bourgas the number of people who were coming down with the flu was constantly rising.
In a media statement, the Health Ministry said that regional epidemic inspectorates were prepared for a flu pandemic and that the ministry was monitoring the flu situation in neighbouring countries as well.
The ministry said that the symptoms were typical of the most common flu strains - a sudden rise in temperature, headache, fatigue, lack of appetite, muscle pains, light to persistent cases of running nose, dry cough.
So far there have been no reports of complications.
According to the Health Ministry, most affected were children between four and 18 years of age, but other age brackets were also affected.
The ministry recommended that people limit their contacts, particularly with those who had flu, as much as possible.
People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular, lung or kidney problems, should be extremely cautious.
The ministry warned against self-treatment and the use of antibiotics and recommended the use of anti-virus medications and immune boosting medications.
"Good nutrition, taking of vitamins and microelements, avoiding exposure and stress are also factors for better immune protection," the statement said.