Influenza more dangerous than ARI: Minsk epidemiologists told about vaccines and preventive measures in the new season

With the onset of autumn in Belarus traditionally begins the season of incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI). According to the Minsk City Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology, ARI accounts for 95-97% of all infectious diseases. At the same time, the most dangerous among respiratory viral infections is influenza - it causes the greatest number of complications from the respiratory, cardiovascular and other body systems and organs. One case of influenza can infect about 40-50 healthy people, according to the correspondent of the agency “Minsk-Novosti”.

Photo is illustrative, Depositphotos

At the moment in Minsk, the incidence of ARI is characterized by a low intensity. Epidemiologists call this a favorable condition for prophylactic vaccination against influenza - it is advisable to vaccinate before the active circulation of respiratory viruses begins.

This season, the trivalent subunit vaccine Grippol Plus (Russia) containing two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus is used to vaccinate the population subject to it in accordance with the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations.

For vaccination at the expense of own funds of citizens and / or funds of enterprises simultaneously with Grippol Plus, a quadrivalent vaccine Influvak Tetra (Netherlands) containing two influenza A and B viruses is used. It is also planned to receive the trivalent vaccine "Vaxigrip" (France).

All of these vaccines contain the same current strains of viruses and are recommended for use in the 2026-2027 season in the Northern Hemisphere, as well as identical in efficacy and safety.

Preventive immunization is of particular importance for groups at high risk of infection and serious complications: children from six months to three years, persons with chronic diseases and immunodeficiency conditions, pregnant women, medical and pharmaceutical workers, persons over 65 years of age, as well as children and adults in institutions with round-the-clock stay. Epidemiologists also recommend vaccinating workers in the fields of education, trade, catering, utilities, schoolchildren and students.

Vaccination can be done in the clinic at the place of residence. For the working population, at the request of managers, visits of medical teams to enterprises and organizations are practiced.

Currently, more than 115,000 people have received preventive influenza vaccination in Minsk, of which about half are at risk.

In addition to vaccination, specialists of the sanitary and epidemiological service recommend observing non-specific prevention measures: regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap (especially after the street and public transport), ventilate and conduct wet cleaning of premises, walk more in the fresh air, avoid close contact with people with symptoms of respiratory diseases. If there are signs of the disease (increase in temperature, cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat), you need to stay at home and call a doctor.

Vaccination against influenza and responsible attitude of everyone to non-specific prevention measures, as epidemiologists emphasize, will limit the spread of respiratory infections among the population and preserve health.