The first cases of infection with influenza A of the H3N2 subtype, which is called Hong Kong, have been identified in Russia. According to the press service of Rospotrebnadzor, one sick person was found in the Sakhalin region, three cases of Hong Kong flu were also recorded in the Tyumen region, three in the Amur region, and one in the Oryol region.
In addition, for the first time in the 2023–2024 epidemic season, viruses of this type were discovered in the Trans-Baikal Territory, the service noted.
Experts quoted by RBC note that the detection of cases of infection with this virus in Russia is due to its seasonality. Unlike regular flu, this flu is more severe. It is carried by birds and can infect humans, noted the chief researcher at the Institute of Molecular Biology. V. A. Engelhardt Petr Chumakov.
At the same time, immunologist Vladislav Zhemchugov believes that there is no danger – this is an ordinary flu, it does not threaten anything special, only that people will get sick. At the same time, according to the doctor, children and older people are more susceptible to the virus. It is treated with the same methods as any other flu.
The Hong Kong flu is an acute respiratory disease that develops rapidly and affects the mucous membranes, noted Rospotrebnadzor. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, throat congestion, headache and body aches. The virus got its name because of the pandemic that occurred in Hong Kong in 1968. The only method of effective prevention is vaccination.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
