Vaccine, mask, clean hands: experts warn about the risks of seasonal viruses and remind about prevention

In the season of viruses, remember about preventive measures, the most important of which is vaccination

A variety of viruses, active contacts and high mobility of people create conditions in which the risk of contracting infection during the cold season increases. Vaccination and other preventive measures, as well as a careful attitude to one’s own condition, help reduce the likelihood of complications and alleviate the course of the disease.

At the moment, non-influenza respiratory viruses are circulating in the country. The increase in incidence is forecasted for the end of January - early February of next year with a peak in February. Both non-influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 are expected to be present simultaneously. Taking into account the active circulation of influenza A virus (H3N2) last year, experts assume that in the new season its activity will be lower, and the influenza A virus (H1N1) will become dominant. Influenza B viruses tend to turn on by the end of the season and form a second wave of incidence in late winter and spring. Currently, only the B/Victoria line circulates among influenza B viruses.

In the 2026/27 season, the strain composition of vaccines has been completely updated for all three components in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization for the Northern Hemisphere. Mass vaccination started in early October. The optimal timing for injection is October and November: immunity is formed on average for 2-4 weeks, and the vaccination made during this period provides protection to the onset of the seasonal rise in incidence. Doctors say that patients often complain of prolonged periods of colds. Once one is finished, the other begins. This is due to a wide range of viruses that are constantly circulating in the ARI season. Rhinovirus alone has more than 150 variants. Immunity, which is formed after the disease, protects only against a particular strain. In other cases, the decisive factor is human behavior and communication culture.

basikirskaya@sb.by