The flu is coming slowly. Currently, the so-called signal or indicator viruses that precede the flu season prevail. These are the rhinoviruses, which cause the common cold or common cold, respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumoviruses and others, after which, in principle, the flu virus or the flu season comes naturally. This was explained in “Wake up” by infectious disease specialist Prof. Georgi Popov.
He predicts that the flu season will come earlier, but there are no indications that the disease will be more severe. "Data from the Southern Hemisphere testify to the earlier onset of the flu — in South America and Australia, the flu virus affected people about 3-4 weeks earlier. And the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control gives indications of an earlier onset in Europe", he pointed out.
According to him, the flu season will begin around the first weeks of January. And the acute peak of infection will be in February.
Regarding anti-flu vaccines, Professor Popov pointed out that it takes about 10-14 days for antibodies to form and then the vaccine to protect. "So even now one can get vaccinated — especially risk groups: elderly people over 65 years of age, for whom a free vaccine is also provided; young children - who often get sick; and pregnant women. Absolutely now is the time when they can get vaccinated", the physician is categorical.
He also commented on the situation with COVID. "It is constantly among us. The change in its clinical characteristics is too pronounced. Now we see patients who complain only of a sharp pain in the throat, sneezing and coughing. But this high temperature is not there, or it can be around 37.5 degrees. And the patients are absolutely capable of working and do not turn to their personal doctors or specialists, and from there recognition becomes much more difficult. They infect other people, who in turn also get sick quite easily", he explained.
Regarding the vaccination against coronavirus, Professor Popov emphasized that "it is always on the agenda, but it must be with a booster that is adapted to the current variant of the virus".
"Now in Europe and in Bulgaria, the variant of Omicron with the fearsome name "Frankenstein" — is widespread. But a booster dose must be given precisely for this subvariant of the virus. Otherwise, vaccination is always on the agenda. And that's why there is COVID. because the immune status of the population is declining, the vaccination status too — and from there comes a new miniwave. We observed one such miniwave in October, but now in November it subsides", the infectious disease specialist is categorical.