The number of deaths caused by seasonal flu, in the Serb-dominated entity of Republika Srpska, reached 30, and these were mostly elderly with chronic diseases, health officials said. They warn against the use of antibiotics because they treat bacterial infections, not viral ones, like the flu.

The A(H1) virus, or respiratory infection, can have severe consequences especially in patients with other illnesses.

“Complications range from cardio-vascular, to those in the central nervous system and then turn to pneumonia. Persons with severe symptoms are hospitalised and treated symptomatically,” epidemiologist Nina Rodic-Vukmir said for N1.

A drug called Tamiflu does the prevention and treatment of this and other types of flu, but citizens complain that they cannot get the drug anywhere. There is also no substitute drug for Tamiflu.

Importers, however, say there is a temporary shortage of this medication and that new doses could reach Bosnia and Herzegovina in several days.

Tamiflu is imported at the request of health care institutions, and doctors appeal to citizens not to use antibiotics because they are used to treat bacterial infections, not viruses, which cause the flu. They suggest that people with chronic diseases should take more vitamin C and improve their hygiene.

“The public is aware that we’ve had ten deaths the weekend. Unfortunately, people who have 2-3 chronic illnesses and get infected with the H1N1 virus get more complications,” said Alen Seranic, the RS Health Minister.

The first flue symptoms are muscle ache, fever, cough, and discomfort. Nearly five million people worldwide are affected by influenza annually.