Do not sneeze at flu

[Typo: they are referring to H5N1]

Date: 30.01.2009


n January, a situation aggravated by the incidence of people caused by the influenza virus A/N5N1. For commentary correspondent "RG" asked the Chief Medical Officer of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Academician Gennady Onishchenko:

- While in Europe the spread of influenza did not exceed normal seasonal levels. Most of it in Ireland and Switzerland. Isolated cases in Asia. In Russia the situation is regarded as the epidemic did not. Although in the last week of the infection increased in Kaliningrad, and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Most suffer from acute respiratory infections, children and elderly people in Arkhangelsk, Irkutsk, Syktyvkar, Khabarovsk, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Kaliningrad, Krasnoyarsk, Murmansk, Pskov, Perm. To prevent the incidence, possible complications, which are so dangerous influenza immunization in a population of Russia - 26.5 million people vaccinated.

This is a very important addition to other security in connection with the fact that in January compounded the situation on the incidence of people caused by the influenza virus A/N5N1. This is the virus - the most likely candidate that can lead to the anticipated pandemic. -snip- This year has already recorded 3 cases of bird flu among humans in China, including 2 - fatal, one case in Egypt. Recent cases of the flu virus in humans were recorded in parts of China, no border with Russia.

We have designed and carried out to prepare for a pandemic. But as the situation worsened for bird flu in several countries, including neighboring Russia, we need additional measures. It is necessary to strictly control the conduct of immunization of poultry farms, the health of the markets that sell live domestic and decorative bird. If you are in a region troubled by bird flu, then you should inform about the possible risks of contracting bird flu, the measures of personal and preventive actions in case of illness. In the airports of Moscow region, the subjects where there are regular and charter communication with China and other vulnerable to bird flu countries, strengthened sanitary and quarantine control. Paragraphs such control must be Desinfectants, personal protection equipment for remote detection of people with fever. Now is the time to check the readiness of hospitals, clinics and dispensaries to provide assistance to patients with suspected influenza virus infection A/N5N1. Ventilator, antiviral drugs, Desinfectants, personal protective equipment is essential.

I understand, might say: there is no epidemic, not even noticeable until the recovery of the disease. Why frightening? What are some specific steps? Yes it is that the flu does not take precedence over us. In addition, if you are sick, not self, and call a doctor in the house to comply with its provisions. And remember: you can not joke with the flu. Especially with the influenza virus A/N5N1.