The doctor called the dangerous consequences of tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is transmitted through tick bites. Its consequences can be serious: from damage to the nervous system to disability and even death. Vaccination remains the only reliable way to protect oneself, Vladimir Neronov, MD, an infectious disease specialist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia on March 25.

According to him, vaccination helps to develop immunity to the virus. Vaccinations contain inactive or weakened virus particles that cannot cause illness, but stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies.

"The vaccine is easily tolerated: only small temporary reactions are possible, such as redness at the injection site or slight malaise," he added.

At the same time, the doctor dispelled several myths about vaccination.

The first misconception is that if you follow hygiene, you don't need vaccinations. However, since encephalitis is transmitted through tick bites, no amount of hygiene can protect against it.
"Myth: infections are no longer dangerous, it is not necessary to get vaccinated. In fact: many diseases have become rare precisely because of vaccination. Without vaccinations, the risk of infection remains high," Neronov stressed.

At the same time, he clarified that all vaccines undergo strict safety controls. Side effects are rare and usually minor.

"Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is carried out in two stages. The first dose is administered in advance, before the start of the tick activity season, and the second dose is administered a few months later. After that, it is recommended to repeat the vaccination every 3-5 years. The injection is done in the shoulder or under the shoulder blade," said the infectious disease specialist.

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Experts call for vaccinations to be given now

He noted that residents of regions where ticks are common, as well as those who visit nature — tourists, summer residents or fishermen - should be vaccinated. Workers whose activities are related to forestry or agriculture, and children who actively play outside, should also be vaccinated.

"Vaccination is a simple and reliable way to protect yourself from tick—borne encephalitis. Don't believe the myths: vaccinations are safe and effective. Spring is the best time to take care of your health and get vaccinated. Ticks in Moscow are not carriers of encephalitis, there are isolated cases in the Moscow region, in Taldomsky and Dmitrovsky districts. It is necessary to vaccinate people who plan hikes and trips to endemic areas — Siberia, where this vaccination is included in the mandatory list, the so—called regional calendar, if a person is sitting motionless in Moscow, he does not need vaccination today," Neronov said.

In addition, he drew attention to the fact that in Moscow and the region, the tick is a carrier of borreliosis, and there are no vaccines for it.

Earlier, on March 18, Lyaman Nurieva, a general practitioner at the Olympus Clinic MARS hospital, told Izvestia that ticks are most often attached to areas with thin skin, such as the popliteal cavities, groin area, the area behind the ears and the scalp. However, the bite can be detected on other parts of the body, so after staying in the forest, it is recommended to carefully examine the skin. According to the expert, the bite usually manifests itself as a slight redness with a pale halo around it. There may be a dark dot in the center.