Influenza is an acute viral infection that is unparalleled in its speed of global spread, leading to epidemics and pandemics. Influenza viruses circulate worldwide, and anyone can contract influenza regardless of gender, age, or race.

Since 1900, there have been four influenza pandemics worldwide. The most recent, to date, was the "swine flu" pandemic (2009-2010).

According to estimates by the World Health Organization, annual influenza epidemics result in 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and 250 to 500 thousand deaths worldwide.

Vaccination is the only specific and therefore the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications!

First and foremost, preventive influenza vaccination is necessary for children and adults over 65 years of age, as well as for people suffering from chronic diseases. This primarily includes individuals with chronic heart or lung diseases, metabolic or kidney diseases, chronic liver conditions, chronic neurological disorders, and immunodeficiencies. Unfortunately, these conditions are sometimes mistakenly considered contraindications for influenza vaccination, even though such individuals require priority protection.

Influenza is also dangerous for women planning pregnancy. It is advisable to get vaccinated before pregnancy or during the second or third trimester. Influenza contracted by a pregnant woman can lead to fetal malformations or miscarriage.

Influenza is also relevant for individuals who, due to their profession (teachers, educators, sales assistants, doctors, and other individuals working in groups), have contact with a large number of people and are at high risk of influenza infection.

Laboratory research data indicate that the majority of those who contract influenza are unvaccinated individuals.

Vaccines from different manufacturers do not differ in the strains of influenza viruses they contain, which are recommended annually by the World Health Organization for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. All vaccines are registered and approved for use in the Republic of Belarus, are highly effective and safe immunobiological medicinal products, and contain the current strains for the period.

Modern influenza vaccines are well-tolerated by both children and adults, and promote the development of highly specific immunity 7-14 days after vaccination, which lasts for 6-12 months.

The reliability of the protection developed after vaccination depends on many factors, including a person's age and health status, individual characteristics, etc. However, on average, out of 100 vaccinated individuals, 70-98 will not contract influenza. If a vaccinated person does contract influenza (2-30 out of 100 vaccinated individuals), the illness will be mild and without complications.

Preventive vaccinations in our country can only be administered after a medical examination and approval. Individuals with acute illnesses or exacerbations of chronic conditions will be advised to wait until their condition normalises before undergoing vaccination.

Permanent contraindications to influenza vaccination are extremely rare, for example, in cases of immediate allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock, urticaria, or angioedema to egg protein (as the vaccine virus is grown on chicken embryos). Such reactions occur in individuals who experience immediate swelling of the lower lip, throat, etc., when attempting to consume chicken eggs in any form (boiled egg, fried egg, etc.). If such reactions are absent, influenza vaccination is safe for such individuals.

By getting vaccinated against influenza, you protect your body from influenza virus attacks; however, other respiratory viruses, which are less dangerous but can cause illness in humans, remain a concern.

In 2019, it is planned to conduct preventive vaccinations for 40% of the population in the Lepel district (13,234 people), with 75% coverage of risk groups. This includes 4,310 vaccinations funded by the republican budget, 6,322 funded by the regional budget, and 2,602 funded by enterprises.

Every resident of our district can get vaccinated at a healthcare organisation at their place of residence.

For information, please contact the Healthcare Institution "Lepel Central Regional Hospital" during working hours at tel. 6-09-84, 6-07-99, 6-07-40.

State Institution "Lepel Regional Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology", tel. 6-85-75

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH OF YOUR LOVED ONES.
GET YOUR FLU SHOT!
STAY HEALTHY!