January 23, 2025 — Unified Health Day "Influenza and Acute Respiratory Diseases Prevention Day"
An increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) is expected in late January – early February. The Republic of Belarus is currently in a favorable epidemiological period.
In the last week, the incidence rate has been 25% lower than in the same period of 2024. Respiratory infections are caused by pathogens, with non-influenza viruses predominating in their structure: adenoviruses, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and seasonal coronavirus.
In 2024, the Beshenkovichi district recorded a 1.1-fold decrease in ARI incidence compared to 2023. In 2024, 5365 cases of ARI were registered: 3060 children, 2305 adults.
In 2023, 6054 cases of ARI were registered, including 3265 children and 2789 adults. Also, 1 case of influenza was registered (in 2023, no cases of influenza were registered in the district).
Annual influenza vaccination is carried out in Beshenkovichi. During the 2024 vaccination campaign, it was planned to vaccinate 26.7% of the population (3580 people) against influenza, considering the vaccine received. Influenza vaccination began in October 2024 and was implemented at 100% of the planned volume.
Influenza and ARI pathogens are transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets and are quite contagious.
With ARIs, the disease develops gradually, most often starting with fatigue and a runny nose, and a dry cough. Influenza pathogens, types A and B viruses, are characterized by aggressiveness and extremely high reproduction rates, so within hours of infection, the virus leads to severe damage to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, creating opportunities for bacterial penetration.
Influenza usually begins suddenly. Its symptoms include fever, temperature of 37.5-39 °C, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose or stuffy nose, sore throat or scratchy throat. Existing chronic diseases may be exacerbated, and influenza has an extensive list of possible complications.
Upon the appearance of the first symptoms of viral diseases (high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, sudden dizziness), seek immediate medical attention at a healthcare facility.
It should be remembered that infected individuals can be contagious for approximately up to 7 days from the onset of the illness.
To avoid contracting influenza and ARVI, it is important to observe preventive measures:
— get vaccinated against influenza in a timely manner;
— practice good personal hygiene: wash hands frequently with soap;
— use hand sanitizers;
— cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief (tissue) when sneezing or coughing;
— avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands;
— try to avoid contact with sick individuals;
— wear protective masks in case of contact with a sick person;
— frequently wipe door handles and other surfaces with disinfectants;
— increase the influx of fresh air into living spaces;
— it is necessary to strengthen and harden the body, adhere to a healthy lifestyle, observe the daily routine, work and rest, eat properly and balancedly, include vegetables, fruits, juices in your diet, take vitamins and enrich the body with trace elements, consume sufficient fluids, and walk in the fresh air daily.
The main and effective measure for flu prevention is timely vaccination, as it is the vaccine that provides protection against those types of influenza virus that are most relevant in the current epidemiological season and are included in its composition. Introducing the vaccine into the body cannot cause illness; by producing protective antibodies, it stimulates the immune system to fight infection.
It is recommended to carry out flu vaccination on the same day as vaccination against coronavirus infection. The majority of vaccinated individuals do not get sick throughout the cold season. Even if a vaccinated person falls ill, they will experience the infectious disease in a mild form and without complications.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones, observe preventive measures!
Svetlana VOROBYOVA, General Practitioner.