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TIRANA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Over 19,000 citizens in Albania have been affected so far by the AH3N2 flu virus, making for an alarming situation nationwide, the country's public health institute informed Monday.
The AH3N2 flu virus continues to swiftly spread across Albania while over 700 citizens from the capital sought medical assistance last week alone, media reported.
According to the Institute of Public Health of Albania specialists, the situation in health centers and in the sanatorium department is very serious as over 10 patients are in very bad condition.
The ministry of health confirmed that two men from Tirana in their 70s passed away due to the aggravated flu symptoms, authorities said.
Cold weather, snow, and low temperatures have contributed to the flu epidemic, they said.
Given the high numbers of people affected by the flu virus, the health and education ministries decided on Saturday to postpone the reopening of schools, nurseries, and kindergartens all over the country until Jan. 16 as a measure to prevent the further spread of flu.
The ministry has offered free anti-virus vaccines to medical personnel, children, pregnant women, retirees, and those with chronic illness.
It has also called on citizens to get the vaccine and urged them to avoid meetings and gatherings as much as possible. Enditem
