Epidemiologists predict a second wave of flu in February – early March
Photo: Alena MARTYNOVA, KP-Novosibirsk
According to the latest data from Rospotrebnadzor, the activity of influenza B viruses is increasing in our country. They account for about 33% of all identified respiratory viruses. If in November-December you were sick with influenza A (H1N1) prevailing at that time, then in the same epidemic season it is quite possible that you will get the infection again. With such a warning, the deputy director of the Rospotrebnadzor Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Natalia Pshenichnaya, was quoted by RIA Novosti.
“Antibodies against the influenza virus of one strain cannot fully protect against another strain, especially if these strains belong to different subtypes of the virus (A and B),” said the doctor.
Epidemiologists predict a second wave of influenza in February – early March. As Pshenichnaya explained above, type B viruses are different in that they are less likely to cause serious complications in relatively healthy people. However, in those whose body is weakened (chronic patients, the elderly), the infection can affect both the lungs and the heart.
The Rospotrebnadzor expert recommended that those who had not been vaccinated against influenza at the end of last year should be vaccinated right now. Including those who have been sick to avoid the risk of reinfection with a new strain of the virus.
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A massive nationwide flu vaccination campaign was completed last year. However, as KP.RU found out, in Moscow, for example, even now an adult can be vaccinated in a district clinic. To do this, you need to make an appointment with a general practitioner. He conducts an examination and, in the absence of contraindications, sends to the vaccination room for vaccination against influenza. In addition, if he wishes, he can be vaccinated for a fee at commercial clinics. But that option will still have to be pursued: Most private medical centers stopped flu vaccination late last year.
Remember that if you have been sick with ARVI or covid, it is recommended to get vaccinated against influenza no earlier than 7-10 days later. In the first week after vaccination, you need to protect yourself from any cold – wear a mask, or rather a respirator, in public places.
