The key facts

  • The share of influenza viruses among those infected is 6.1%, including A(H1N1) and A(H3N2)
  • Rospotrebnadzor urges vaccination, especially for risk groups
  • An expert from the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology expects the incidence peak in late December — early January

Which viruses are circulating

In Russia, patients are being diagnosed with Hong Kong (A(H3N2)) and swine (A(H1N1)) flu, as well as type B and C viruses. This was reported by Rospotrebnadzor, according to RIA Novosti; according to the agency, influenza viruses account for 6.1% of respiratory infection pathogens. The report was cited by Gazeta.Ru.

Who is advised to get vaccinated

Rospotrebnadzor emphasized that people should get vaccinated against flu, and this applies primarily to risk groups: those who frequently suffer from acute respiratory viral infections, people with chronic conditions — including lung diseases, cardiovascular conditions, metabolic disorders and obesity — as well as young children, pregnant women and the elderly. For vaccination, the agency advises contacting a polyclinic at one's place of residence.

Vaccination timing and the expected peak

Earlier, the lead expert of the CMD clinic and office network of the Rospotrebnadzor Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Mikhail Lebedev, told Gazeta.Ru that the flu incidence peak is expected at the end of December — beginning of January, so the vaccination should be done in October–November to allow immunity to develop in time. He also previously explained whether one should get vaccinated if they have already had the flu. Thus, the agency's vaccination recommendation is consistent with the timeframe indicated by the expert: several weeks remain before the seasonal peak.