The epidemic in Moscow associated with the flu began in September. The main problem is that many people consider the virus not dangerous, so they try to recover on their own. According to statistics, about 500,000 people die from influenza in the world due to the conniving attitude to their health in the world per year. As you know, the causative agent of influenza ceases to be excreted after a week, but in especially severe cases, when there is a risk of complications of pneumonia, the virus can live up to three weeks. The statistics of influenza in Moscow shows an increase in the incidence rate, which is gradually increasing since September and, according to preliminary data, can only decline in March 2019.
Who is most often infected?
Any viral disease has its own risk group, including influenza. The World Health Organization has determined that in 2018 the following segments of the population are affected by the disease:
- In the first place, the flu can affect young children. This is due to the fact that vaccinations from this virus are not given to children who are younger than six months. Children aged 2 to 5 years are most likely to tolerate vaccination.
- The seasonal flu epidemic in Moscow has become dangerous for women in the situation. Despite the fact that vaccination can be carried out at any time during pregnancy, not every woman agrees to such a step.
- At risk are people with chronic pathologies, since their body is most vulnerable to the virus. To prevent complications and serious health problems, it is recommended to be vaccinated on time.
- The virus has recently been increasingly affecting people of the age. The fact is that even if such people are vaccinated during the time, the vaccine will still have less effect on their body than on people of a younger age.
- Among the diseased, more medical workers began to meet. It is doctors who have to work with patients who seek help with various viral diseases, so they are advised to get vaccinated every year.
You should not take the vaccination as a panacea for all diseases, but it will still help to transfer the flu in a mild form.
Flu strains in Moscow in 2018
In September, experts recorded that most of the sick people who went to the hospital had various acute viral diseases. ARVI epidemic in Moscow just reached its peak at this time of the year due to a sharp change in weather conditions. Consider the main strains that met in 2018 in the capital:
- The strains of influenza A were rare. This virus is considered one of the most dangerous, as it spreads quickly and is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one. The main problem for specialists is that this virus can quickly mutate and become resistant to certain medications.
- There were cases of the sensational swine flu in 2009. In this case, the main danger lies in the complications that affect primarily the lungs.
- Most often, in 2018, residents of the capital suffered from a strain of influenza B. This group is not a big risk, it is easily treated with medications.
Each year, employees of the institutes work to obtain effective vaccines against all strains and to determine how influenza infection occurs. But according to all forecasts of scientists, September was the beginning for protracted outbreaks of the disease, which will last until the end of the first month of spring.
What strain of flu is expected in Moscow after September
The World Health Organization conducted a study and concluded that after the flu, which was in September in Moscow, two new strains of the virus, called A (H3N2) Singapore and B (Colorado), may appear. Experts reassure the population and argue that you should not be particularly afraid of these viruses, since they were included in the trivalent vaccine.
Experts also say that it is important to get vaccinated on time, you need to be vaccinated three weeks before the outbreak, in which case the body will have time to develop resistance.
Flu features 2018
The main peak, when the epidemic in Moscow will begin to rage, according to medical forecasts, will fall in the winter. Each resident needs to pay attention to the following features of the flu:
- The disease will develop very rapidly.
- Influenza will be difficult to diagnose.
- A rather high percentage of mortality is expected if qualified assistance is not provided on time.
Not the flu itself and its symptoms are considered terrible, but complications that can develop. Common complications include:
- Bacterial pneumonia, which can occur as early as 3 days.
- Sinusitis and otitis media develops.
- Often after the flu, the patient is diagnosed with meningitis.
- Bacterial pathogens can enter the bloodstream and provoke sepsis.
Doctors recommend getting vaccinated on time, and when the first signs and symptoms appear, immediately consult a specialist.
Flu Symptoms 2018 - 2019
It is clear that all the symptoms will depend only on which strain of flu is progressing. But basically it’s important to focus on the incubation period, which can last several days. Here are the symptoms that may be inherent in different strains of influenza:
- High fever and fever.
- Pain in all muscles and joints.
- Weakness in the whole body.
- Dizziness and severe headache.
- Often there is nausea and vomiting.
- Poor appetite.
Such symptoms can persist for a week, if they do not go away, then, most likely, there are complications.
How to distinguish flu from colds
It was September 2018 that turned out to be very difficult for the capital, the flu in Moscow and acute respiratory viral infections began to develop rapidly during this period. It is important to remember that before starting treatment for the flu, you need to pinpoint that it is not a common cold. A sick person needs to pay attention to the main symptoms that will be inherent only to flu.
In any case, you need to contact a specialist who will conduct an accurate diagnosis and determine further treatment.
Flu Prevention 2018 - 2019
Given the fact that the epidemic in Moscow associated with different strains of influenza is only approaching, it is important to think about prevention. Preventive measures are aimed at strengthening the human immunity and activating his defenses. Here are the main measures:
- Care should be taken to minimize contact with people infected with the virus.
- Take vitamins.
- Take care of hygiene.
- Exercise.
- Sleep at least 8 hours a day.
- Eat right and get rid of addictions.
- Get vaccinated on time.
Any flu is dangerous, especially since every year viruses become more resistant to many medications. Despite this, qualified medical care will help to avoid complications and completely recover and recover.
Vaccination
The epidemic in Moscow this year is not expected to be as strong as in previous seasons, and this is due primarily to the fact that, according to statistics, there are more vaccinated people than unvaccinated people. Each year, the vaccine is updated and includes new strains of influenza, which allows you to successfully fight the virus. Vaccination should be carried out in advance, before the main wave of the epidemic begins.
Before vaccination, it is necessary to consult with a specialist in order to exclude adverse reactions. Rarely, but still some patients complain of redness and a slight temperature after vaccination, but soon these symptoms disappear.