In the current season, almost 3 million cases and suspected cases of influenza and flu-like diseases have been recorded in Poland. We are among the countries with the highest incidence of this dangerous viral disease. If the number of patients continues, this season may turn out to be a record time.
- About 3 million cases and suspected cases of influenza and flu-like diseases in Poland
- By mid-February, almost 8699 patients required hospitalization
- There were also the first four deaths this year from influenza and its complications
As the data of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control show, most cases of influenza were recorded in February in Luxembourg, Germany, France, Great Britain and Spain. Poland is also at the forefront of Europe, which is very disturbing – emphasizes the chairman of the Scientific Council of the National Program for Combating Influenza, prof. Adam Antczak.
According to the data of the National Institute of Public Health-PZH in Warsaw, until February 15, 2018, 2 cases of flu and flu-like diseases were registered and suspected. Only from 923 to 574 February 8, 15 such cases were recorded. The average daily incidence was 2018 per 272 thousand. population.
By mid-February, almost 8699 patients required hospitalization. There were also the first four deaths this year from influenza and its complications. All of them took place in the second week of February. One person (over 65) died in the province. Kujawsko-Pomorskie, and three (one over 65 and two in the range of 15-64) in the province. Silesian.
According to the National Institute of Public Health-PZH, in the previous flu season, from September 2016 to April 2017, there were almost 3,8 million cases of influenza and flu-like diseases. In our country, the highest incidence is usually in February and March, so if the number of flu cases and flu-like diseases continues, this season may turn out to be a record season.
Prof. Antczak points out that the flu is a very dangerous viral disease. It causes numerous complications, which are particularly vulnerable to people suffering from chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, as well as the elderly, pregnant women and children.
According to a specialist, any disturbing symptoms should be consulted with a doctor so that the disease is properly diagnosed and treated.
– Many people cannot distinguish between a cold and a flu that is dangerous for the body. Patients try to heal themselves with home remedies or medicines available in pharmacies without a prescription. What is worse, many of them with flu symptoms participate in public life, infecting others and exposing themselves to flu complications – emphasizes prof. Antczak, who heads the General and Oncological Pulmonology Clinic of the Medical University of Lodz.
Influenza usually attacks suddenly and causes a severe fever, often over 39 degrees C. It is characterized by pain in the muscles, joints and headache. Contrary to colds, a runny nose rarely occurs during the flu, but a dry, exhausting cough is more characteristic of it. Influenza can also be asymptomatic or with little or no symptoms.
The National Program Against Influenza emphasizes that the best method of preventing infection with the influenza virus and avoiding complications is prophylactic vaccinations.
Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski from the Center for Preventive Medicine and Rehabilitation believes that if someone has not suffered from influenza and gets the vaccine somewhere else, because it is not easy now, it is still worth getting vaccinated. Immunity develops 7-10 days after vaccination, so the vaccine has a chance to work. During this period, flu infection should be avoided as much as possible.
This flu season, for the first time in our country, there are two types of vaccines: one of them is the so-called trivalent and contains the antigens of two influenza A strains (Michigan / 45/2015 (H1N1) and Hong Kong / 4801/2014 (H3N2) and one type B (Brisbane / 60/2008 Victoria).
There are four antigens in the second (quadrivalent) vaccine: apart from those in the trivalent vaccine, there is one more antigen – Phuket / 3073/2013 (Yamagata). Dr. Grzesiowski claims that this year there are mainly two flu virus serotypes: AH3N2 and serotype B.
According to research by the American Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), between 291 people worldwide die from influenza every year. up to 646 people.
A few words about the flu
Influenza is a serious respiratory viral infection with the highest death rate. Influenza epidemiology covers seasonality (winter months of the year), worldwide prevalence and virus type. Changes in the antigens of the individual strains of the virus are observed every year. The incidence of influenza gives only short-term immunity – up to several months, and only against the type of virus that caused the disease. Influenza is caused by influenza A and B viruses. Infection occurs through droplets or direct contact.