The biologist pointed out the importance of flu vaccination

Biologist Antonina Oblasova pointed out the importance of flu vaccination. In an interview with the Health Mail on December 11, the specialist said that the flu vaccine, which many have made this fall, includes antigens of the influenza A (H3N2) virus, known as Hong Kong.

When preparing the vaccine, it was not possible to take into account all the changes that occurred in this subtype of the virus, since mutations arose after the selection of vaccine strains. As a result, the virus has partially acquired the ability to bypass post-vaccination immunity, which can lead to a faster spread of infection and an increase in the number of cases.

She stressed that it is wrong to talk about the complete ineffectiveness of the vaccine in the current season. Although its protection against H3N2 turned out to be lower than expected, a wave of H1N1 and influenza B flu is possible ahead, against which the vaccine is still able to work effectively. As in previous years, it can reduce the incidence rate by two to four times, especially among vulnerable groups - infants, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with chronic diseases. Therefore, those who have not yet been vaccinated are advised to get vaccinated and not focus on loud statements about its ineffectiveness.

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On December 12, Rospotrebnadzor reported that the influenza A (H3N2) strain, known as Hong Kong flu, had become dominant in 12 regions of Russia. On the eve of Rospotrebnadzor denied reports of the spread of a certain "super aggressive" influenza virus in Russia, which has mutated and is not susceptible to vaccination, IA Regnum reports.

On December 11, infectious disease specialist, Ph.D. Sergey Voznesensky stated 360.ru that flu vaccines are created taking into account changes in the influenza virus, including the influenza A H3N2 virus. Therefore, the claim that doctors and scientists are now dealing with a completely new virus is incorrect.

On the same day, infectious disease specialist Elena Meskina reported that the symptoms of the Hong Kong flu are practically the same as those of the common flu. According to her, the disease is accompanied by general malaise and weakness, fever, chills, eye pain and cough, writes RT.

On December 10, former chief sanitary doctor of Russia, State Duma deputy, epidemiologist Gennady Onishchenko said 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.

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