The Influenza Research Institute assessed the epidemic situation with morbidity in Russia

Russia has recorded a seasonal increase in the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, which is an annual and expected phenomenon. In the current epidemic season, influenza viruses of subtype A(H3N2) are actively circulating in the country, as well as in most countries of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe and North America. This was announced on December 16 by Daria Danilenko, Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the A.A. Smorodintsev Influenza Research Institute of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Candidate of Biological Sciences.

According to her, the A(H3N2) virus has been known since 1968, when it caused the "Hong Kong flu" pandemic. Currently, it belongs to seasonal pathogens that are constantly circulating in the world. A special feature of this subtype is its high variability, which requires regular updating of the vaccine composition and makes annual vaccination a necessary preventive measure.

"The registered incidence rates in both Russia and European countries do not exceed the average annual values for this period. Currently, the incidence of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections in the Russian Federation is 106.2 per 10,000 population. A further increase in the number of cases is expected in the coming weeks. As a rule, seasonal increases in morbidity last for 6-10 weeks, after which the intensity decreases," the expert said.

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Danilenko stressed that vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against influenza. It reduces the risk of severe illness, complications and adverse consequences. You can get vaccinated during the current period, but it is important to take into account that the formation of immunity takes about 14 days. First of all, vaccination is recommended for people at risk.

If symptoms of a respiratory infection appear — fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, weakness, and general malaise — the specialist advises you to stay at home and seek medical help in a timely manner. Self-medication, she says, can lead to complications. Compliance with personal hygiene measures, self-isolation and early diagnosis remain key conditions for rapid recovery and prevention of the spread of infection.

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.

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