Influenza season is about to begin, and this year we expect that the epidemic will not be as "cruel", as it was in 2008 and 2010, with the notorious "swine" and "bird" flu. increased incidence is gradually increasing since the end of October, but the epidemic threshold is generally exceeded in mid-January. This way, contribute to the long holidays, mass celebrations of people at various celebrations, corporate parties and fur-trees. Recession Flu is in February, stopping the end of March. But in many ways the epidemic activity depends on the weather conditions and the type of virus that caused it.
Flu - this is not a common cold, which are also common during the cold season. It is dangerous not only for its severe, but the complications that can be life-threatening. Of course, if you are a young and healthy person, you can transfer the flu and without consequences, but in the case of pregnant women, the elderly or children up to 5-7 years, as well as those who have severe heart disease, kidney, lungs - especially their flu dangerous. It is this category of people and should be vaccinated in the first place, and the most widespread coverage. Of course, vaccinations, may not stop the epidemic of influenza, but can seriously reduce mortality and the risk of complications. It has long been proven years of research.
What to expect this year?
Each year, the WHO experts predict a flu epidemic, and for six months in advance to announce the most likely strains that will circulate this season in the territory of both the southern and northern hemispheres. That they are included in the vaccine, which this year was a four. It included two strains of type A virus:
· Virus type A Brisbane (H1N1) pdm09;
· Type A Kansas virus (H3N2);
as well as two varieties of a strain of type B:
· Virus type B Colorado;
· Virus type B Phuket.
Although no one gives a 100% guarantee that these viruses come to our country in This season, the vaccine helps the immune system to be fully armed and actively cope with the virus flu. According to experts in those who are vaccinated each year, the risk of severe infection and is significantly lower than in non-vaccinated people, or the first to be vaccinated.
Influenza has unstable genotype and is capable of mutation, which is why we still can not find an effective means of combating it. Every time a new strain of the immune system takes over the brand new, so it must again learn to deal with it. Hence, the symptoms of the disease. When delivered the vaccine, the body already recognizes the virus as "an old friend" and has an effective weapon in the struggle. Therefore, the symptoms are not as sharp or almost none.
Will this dangerous epidemic?
Can we say now that the flu will be difficult? It is too early to make predictions about this. Following the trend of previous epidemics, possibly this year, the flu is not particularly fierce. But remembering the notorious pandemic of swine and avian influenza, no one not previously think. Experts monitor all messages regarding influenza with increasing epidemic threshold will carefully determine the type of virus that came in one country or another. On this basis, it will be possible to draw conclusions. In the meantime, it's time to engage in prevention of influenza - to strengthen immunity, drink a course of vitamins, get enough sleep, follow the hygiene and try to avoid contact with the sick.
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