In Belarus expect a seasonal rise in the incidence of influenza: the Ministry of health calls for vaccination

The traditional peak of the flu epidemic in Belarus is forecasted for late January – early February, but it is possible that the incidence will begin to grow earlier than usual. This was reported by the head of the department of hygiene, epidemiology and prevention of the Ministry of Health Inna Karaban, BelTA informs.

“Currently, the outlook for the rising incidence of influenza is no different from previous years. We expect it in typical terms for our country - late January - early February, - said the expert.

At the same time, she allowed an earlier start to the season due to the circulation of new strains of viruses that are already included in the composition of the vaccines used.

For immunization of the population this year will be used drugs "Grippol plus", "Influvak Tetra" and "Vaxigrip Tetra". Mass vaccination campaign starts in early October, so that the traditional season of growth of SARS (October-November) citizens managed to develop immunity.

First of all, it is recommended to protect your health:

1. 1.children from 6 months to 3 years;
2. 2.children over 3 years old and adults with chronic diseases and immunodeficiencies;
3. 3.people over 65 years of age;
4. 4.pregnant women;
5. 5.medical and pharmaceutical workers;
6. 6.employees of institutions with round-the-clock stay;
7. 7.employees of public administration bodies that ensure the security of the state.

Inna Karaban stressed that vaccination is a specific means of preventing complications. According to her, the vaccine is aimed not so much at preventing the disease itself as at protecting against the serious consequences after it. Annual monitoring data confirm that in hospitals with post-influenza pneumonia are those patients who ignored the vaccine.

Natalia Shmeleva, Head of the Laboratory of Influenza and Influenza-like Diseases of the Research Institute of Hygiene, Toxicology, Epidemiology, Virology and Microbiology of the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health: First of all, it is necessary to engage in vaccine prevention. This is the main and key way to prevent influenza as a disease, as well as preventative complications and adverse outcomes. Influenza vaccine is available and actively administered annually.”.

Photo: BELTA