The epidemiologist estimated the probability of infection with the "Hong Kong flu"

Former chief sanitary doctor of Russia, and now a State Duma deputy, epidemiologist Gennady Onishchenko told who is at risk of contracting the "Hong Kong flu."

In conversation with aif.ru On Wednesday, December 10, he explained that the so-called "Hong Kong flu" in professional terminology is referred to as H3N2 (influenza A virus). This strain is recommended by WHO as relevant, it is being monitored, and it is included in the current vaccine for Russian citizens. According to him, about 78 million people have already been vaccinated.

He noted that the seasonal increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in the country is still within the long-term average and does not reach epidemic levels. The exception is five major cities in the 48th week, but, according to him, this does not affect the overall picture.

Onishchenko added that current strains are currently circulating in Russia, which were taken into account when creating vaccines, and that vaccination according to the plan of the Ministry of Health is almost completed.

The epidemiologist also called on citizens to take more responsibility for their health and at the first signs of malaise — fever or symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections — not to self-medicate, but to call a doctor so as not to put children and the elderly at risk.

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Also on December 10, Alexander Gorelov, Deputy Director for scientific Work at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, announced the similarity of the "Hong Kong flu" with last year's strain. According to him, small antigenic changes for influenza viruses are a natural process, but the key question remains whether these changes are accompanied by a worsening of the clinical picture of the disease.

On December 5, doctor Sergei Voznesensky told Moscow 24 that the "Hong Kong flu" (H3N2) is a routine virus that doctors know how to deal with. According to him, the strain does not have any special symptoms. The symptoms will be similar to the usual flu: fever, muscle and joint aches, runny nose and cough. In severe cases, serious complications are possible, including swelling of the lungs or brain. 360.ru .

On the same day, internist Alexander Pankovetsky said that the "Hong Kong flu" is particularly contagious and is transmitted at lightning speed. This strain has been known since the 1960s and is currently circulating as a seasonal variant. He added that the virus has been well studied, writes RT.

In August, Onishchenko said that the new vaccine for the flu season includes strains: Victoria type A (H1N1) virus, H3N2 type A virus and Victoria line B Austria virus, NSN reports.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.