The number of respiratory infections in Bulgaria is climbing and has already matched figures from the same period last year, Prof. Todor Kantardzhiev , former director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, told NOVA NEWS. He noted that while overall levels were lower than last year, recent weeks have shown a clear uptick in cases. Although influenza is not yet widespread, a rise is anticipated in the coming weeks. Regarding COVID-19 , Kantardzhiev reported a slight