The rise in flu incidence this year may start earlier
In Belarus, the rise in flu incidence is expected in late January – early February. However, this year it may start earlier. This was reported by Inna Karaban, head of the Hygiene, Epidemiology and Prevention Department of the Ministry of Health.
Illustrative photo. Photo: Nasha Niva
According to the specialist, the forecast so far does not differ from the situation of previous years. At the same time, new strains of the influenza virus, which are included in the composition of vaccines offered to residents of Belarus, will circulate in the new season.
This year, "Gripol Plus", "Influvac Tetra" and "Vaxigrip Tetra" preparations, which were also used last year, will be used for vaccination.
First of all, vaccination is recommended for children aged six months to three years, older children and adults with chronic diseases or immunodeficiency conditions, as well as people over 65 years of age. It is among this category that cases of hospitalization with post-flu pneumonia are most often encountered.
Vaccination is also recommended for pregnant women and representatives of certain professional groups. These include medical and pharmaceutical workers, employees of round-the-clock institutions and people living there, as well as employees of state administration bodies responsible for the security and vital activity of the state.
Inna Karaban emphasized that vaccination is a specific means of prevention aimed primarily at preventing complications after the flu, and not just the disease itself.
According to annual monitoring, people who have not been vaccinated against the flu are more likely to be hospitalized with complications.