The head of the Russian consumer rights watchdog, Anna Popova, announced that the influenza A H1N1 variant has arrived in Russia this year and can pose a serious threat to patient health.
She noted that this season has seen a distinct shift in flu activity. What makes the situation particularly worrying is that the version of the flu responsible for the most serious health impacts has appeared, namely the influenza A H1N1 virus, which caused the 2009-2010 pandemic, according to Popova on the Russia 1 television channel.
H1N1 spreads easily, and higher risk of death is observed among older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Popova added that the minimum incubation period for symptoms can range from just a few hours up to seven days.
In practice, swine flu, the coronavirus, and other respiratory infections begin with similar signs: general malaise and a rising fever. There are no unique symptoms that clearly distinguish one illness from another, she stated.
The Russian health system has prepared for a potential rise in case numbers, according to the department head. The public is advised not to attempt self-diagnosis or self-treatment and to seek medical care promptly if symptoms appear.
advanced level
Rospotrebnadzor reported that swine flu has been detected in 74 regions across Russia. An uptick in influenza and SARS cases among both adults and children has also been observed in the capital, with higher incidence among those aged 7 to 14. Officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Letters have been distributed to schools requesting that whole classes shift to distance learning if more than 20 percent of students are ill.
three waves
Infectious disease expert Evgeny Timakov outlined a three-wave pattern for the current epidemic season. He explained that the first wave is already underway, the second is anticipated after the New Year holidays, and the third is expected toward the end of February. Each flu type triggers its own pattern of immunity, meaning people can get the flu more than once. The quadruple vaccine is described as providing broad protection against major strains. Timakov projected that the current rise in cases should ease within two to three weeks.
Masks and vaccines
Earlier, the head of the Russian Ministry of Health, Mikhail Murashko, urged Russians to wear masks amid rising SARS and flu cases. He also emphasized that there is no shortage of anti-flu medicines in Russian pharmacies.
Murashko stated that all Russian flu vaccines this season are effective, including protection against the H1N1 variant. He emphasized that the vaccines contain preventive ingredients for the H1N1 strain, making vaccination a clear and effective option for protection this season.