An immunologist warned about the dangerous complications of the Hong Kong flu

The incidence of the influenza A(H3N2) strain, known as the "Hong Kong" flu, is rapidly increasing in Russia. According to the allergist-immunologist, rheumatologist of the KDC NCC No. 2 "Russian National Research Center named after Academician B.V. Petrovsky" by Elena Sycheva, this strain is characterized by high variability and is capable of causing extremely severe forms of the disease even in previously healthy people.

"The A(H3N2) strain is highly contagious and often leads to severe complications, especially in the elderly over 65 years of age, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases," Elena Sycheva emphasized.

The expert emphasized that Hong Kong flu is more often complicated by bacterial infections: pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis, as well as serious lesions of the heart and nervous system.

"The most dangerous complications are myocarditis, exacerbation of heart failure, meningitis and encephalitis. High fever and severe intoxication can lead to decompensation of chronic diseases," the doctor warned.

The immunologist called vaccination the main measure of protection: all vaccines of the 2024-2025 season contain the relevant antigen A(H3N2).

"The vaccine does not provide 100% protection against infection, but it is extremely effective in preventing severe forms, complications and deaths. The optimal time for vaccination has already passed, but it's not too late to get vaccinated — the peak of the epidemic usually falls in January-February," concluded Elena Sycheva.

In November-December 2025, the greatest increase in the incidence of Hong Kong flu was recorded in the Far East, the Urals, Siberia and Moscow.

For more information, see the Izvestia article.

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