Hong Kong Flu 2017: Prevention and Risk

In the winter of 2016-2017.The territory of the Russian Federation will be attacked by a new influenza virus - A / Hong Kong /4801/ 2014( H3N2) . This was reported to the media by Rospotrebnadzor head Anna Popova.With such a virus, mankind has already faced: in 1968-1969, the Hong Kong flu caused by it caused about a million lives.

How to protect yourself and loved ones from this disease and why doctors are sounding the alarm - we'll figure it out in the article.

Table of contents: Hong Kong Flu - what is it?For whom the Hong Kong flu is most dangerous The vaccine against the Hong Kong flu

Hong Kong flu - what is it?

The causative agent of the Hong Kong flu is the type A( H3N2) virus. The first time this disease was heard in 1968, when the pandemic of influenza began in Hong Kong. The strain of the virus, which caused a high incidence rate among the population of Hong Kong, appeared suddenly and, as it later turned out, due to the mutation of influenza viruses circulating among birds.The immune system of people was not familiar with this virus, so everyone started to get sick massively.There have been many deaths.

Following the 1968 pandemic, the circulation of influenza A( H3N2) viruses was repeatedly recorded in the Northern Hemisphere( last year it was strain /Switzerland/9715293/ 2013( H3N2)), but they did not cause a massive incidence.In the same year, Russia is waiting for a virus isolated in Hong Kong( in 2014), it has a somewhat different antigenic structure, compared with the previous strain, so the immunity of Russians is not familiar with it.However, doctors are especially worried about this fact, not even this, but the fact that the virus is of Hong Kong origin, as history and multi-year observations of influenza show exactly southern provinces of China are sources of pandemic viruses, that is, viruses that can cause a pandemic-spread of infection to the entire territoryCountry or even several states.

For whom the Hong Kong flu is most dangerous

During the 1968 pandemic, the oldest and youngest children suffered the most from the Hong Kong flu. It was among them that the deaths of the disease were predominantly registered.The severe course of the disease in these population groups was due to the weakened body and immune system.The flu provoked the development of serious complications from the cardiovascular system, lungs, endocrine organs, and the nervous system.

In addition to young children and the elderly, the Hong Kong flu is a great danger for people suffering from chronic heart diseases, blood vessels, respiratory organs, and also for pregnant women.In these populations, influenza is more likely to cause complications and aggravate the course of the underlying illness.

Well, for future mothers, influenza is doubly dangerous: firstly, the female body can not cope with hormonal and immune changes until the end with infection, so the disease will be extremely difficult, and secondly, the flu in the early pregnancy can becomeCause of the fetus of various developmental anomalies.

Thus, for the Hong Kong flu, the following risk groups can be identified:

• Children under 2 years.
• People after 65 years.
• Persons suffering from severe general ailments.
• Pregnant.

Vaccination from the Hong Kong flu

To protect yourself and loved ones from the Hong Kong flu, you need to get vaccinated. Vaccine preparations with antigenic composition, which is relevant for this winter season, are already massively supplied to medical institutions in all subjects of the Russian Federation.There are vaccines for adults( Grippol, Sovigripp), and for children( Grippol plus, Sovigripp, Ultrix).

It is necessary to inoculate beforehand, since it takes about 2 weeks to form the immunity. Therefore, in view of the fact that the increase in the incidence of influenza by physicians is expected in January 2017, it is desirable to be vaccinated before the end of November - early December 2016. As for young children who have never been vaccinated against influenza, they will need to administer two doses of the vaccine at 4-week intervals, this should be taken into account by parents planning to vaccinate their child for the first time.

Both adults and children should be consulted before taking the inoculation. He will assess the patient's state of health, determine whether he can be vaccinated( influenza vaccines have a number of contraindications to the application) and will give recommendations on the optimal timing of vaccination.In addition, on the day of vaccination, it is mandatory to undergo a repeated examination of the doctor( therapist or pediatrician).

Immunization against influenza in Russia is carried out both at the state expense and at the expense of the citizens themselves. The following population groups can receive free of charge vaccinations:

• Children from 6 months, including pupils of kindergartens, students of schools.
• Students.
• Health workers.
• Teachers, teachers, educators.
• Transport, utilities, service sector employees.
• Older people( after 60 years).

All the rest can be self-administered in public and private medical institutions.

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Zubkova Olga Sergeevna, medical reviewer, epidemiologist