Seasonal rise of acute respiratory infections traditionally expected in October – Ministry of health

The situation with the incidence of SARS and influenza in the country remains calm and corresponds to the interepidemic period. Such information during the press conference “Prevention of seasonal viral diseases: how to protect yourself and your loved ones” shared the head of the Department of hygiene, epidemiology and prevention of the Ministry of health Inna Karaban.

- The seasonal rise in acute respiratory infections traditionally begins in October and continues until April. During the same period, an increase in the incidence of influenza is recorded. The forecast for the upcoming season so far coincides with previous years: the main peak is expected in late January - early February. However, earlier cases are possible, as new strains of viruses included in vaccines will be in circulation.

Inna Karaban stressed that vaccination remains a key means of preventing complications of influenza. Vaccination does not prevent the disease itself, but reduces the risk of severe consequences. Monitoring of hospitalizations annually confirms that patients with complications, including post-influenza pneumonia, are most often unvaccinated.

The main groups for vaccination remain the same: children from 6 months to 3 years old, adults with chronic diseases, people over 65 years old, pregnant women, as well as professional categories - medical and pharmaceutical workers, employees and guests of institutions with round-the-clock stay, employees of public administration bodies. The vaccine will be administered with the same drugs as last year.