A flu outbreak in Ukraine has been announced, causing major panic. Over the weekend, surgical masks disappeared from shelves in pharmacies in Kiev, as the demand for these items grew higher than ever.

"I wanted to purchase masks but there aren't any. They said the items will be delivered, but they do not know when. We'll have to make them ourselves.

"We went to various pharmacies we know of, but did not find any masks".

Тhose who could not purchase masks wrapped themselves in scarves, which serve as a less effective protection.

"It's best if the scarves are not wool, or heavy, they make it difficult to breath and cause the accumulation of moisture. Moisture retains bacteria. Medical experts say that, next week, the masks will become available inside pharmacies. Right now, though, they have to be hand-made".

[Raisa Sorochinskaya-Kirilenko, Healthcare Committee]:
"I call upon all of the citizens of this country, to cut a mask for themselves to be used tomorrow, out of any type of cotton, which will only take them 10 minutes. If you iron it every three hours, it will fully protect you from germs."

Besides masks, ointments are also an effective protection from germs.

[Ludmila Chernyshova, Department of Child Immunization]:
"Nasal passages can be treated with oxolyn ointment but, most likely, it is sold out by now. You can also simply use vaseline. It will also provide some protection". According to medical experts, there are two different types of flu raging in the country: seasonal and pandemic. Their symptoms are similar. At the first sign of the illness, it is necessary to consult a physician.

[Alexander Greenevich, Ukranian Flu Center]:
"If the fever is high, and you have coughing, a running nose, pain in the joints and muscles, please, call a doctor".

Doctors say the best method to prevent flu is vaccination. However, many Ukrainians prefer traditional medicine.

“I think that this is a scary illness, however, if everyone eats lots of onions, garlic, and simply takes care of themselves, then we'll be able to avoid the flu".

For some, this outbreak simply does not exist.

"I'm apathetic about the flu. Flu feels the same for me. I think that this is just a panic, chaos, which characterizes the current state of our country".

Medical experts now say the second wave of flu will come in January and February.

NTD, Кiev, Ukraine