BSMU Associate Professor: Colds or flu will not protect against other strains of viruses

Influenza is a difficult disease that can severely damage the lungs. To avoid negative consequences, experts recommend getting vaccinated and following a number of rules. On October 5, Associate Professor of General Medical Practice with a course of geriatrics and palliative medicine of BSMU Natalia Klimovich told reporters. Details - in the material of the correspondent of the agency "Minsk-Novosti".

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Protracted “chains” of colds are explained by the fact that during the period of rising incidence, a large number of viruses circulate, and once transferred infection does not give immunity against other strains. By the way, rhinovirus alone has more than 150 strains.

As a rule, the ARI season lasts almost from September to mid-spring. You can protect yourself with the help of vaccination and all known rules: hygiene, use antiseptics, keep a distance (if there are signs of disease), use masks when visiting medical institutions and others.

- If a person is sick, he should not attend social events, go to work. The body needs time to cope with the infection, recover and not have complications, added Klimovich. It is much easier to prevent than to treat.

Influenza is a serious disease, it is no lighter than COVID-19 and more damages the lungs.

- There is a category of patients who should be vaccinated. Since when infected with influenza, the severity of the course will be disproportionately higher. At first, the consequences can be imperceptible, have a delayed nature, and subsequently become severe, up to a lethal outcome, Klimovich concluded.

At risk: children aged 6 months to three years and older, adults with chronic diseases and immunodeficiency conditions, persons over 65 years, pregnant women. As well as medical and pharmaceutical workers who are in institutions with round-the-clock stay and not only.