Influenza and respiratory illness cause huge economic losses

Influenza and respiratory illness (ORZ) cause huge economic losses for Russia, said Chief Surgeon Gennady Onishchenko in a press conference on October 13. He added that each year USD 1.68 billion is spent on infectious illnesses in the country including USD 660 thousand on respiratory illness (ORZ) and USD 30-150 thousand on influenza. In order to reduce these expenses it is necessary to more seriously follow precautionary measures, including regularly taking vitamins, said Onishchenko. 'Moreover, adults should by themselves vaccines and not spend all their money alcoholic beverages,' he said. Companies, according to Onishchenko, could also buy vaccines for their employees.