From November 17 to 23, the country recorded 13,054 cases of ARVI and influenza. Laboratory studies show the following picture regarding circulating viruses:
influenza A/H3N2 — 91.3%,
influenza B — 3.8%,
COVID-19 — 4.8%.
In the Chui region, during the same period, 15 samples from patients with ARVI were sent to the laboratory, and 9 of them confirmed the presence of the H3N2 virus, reports the Issyk-Ata Interdistrict Center for Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance.
The Hong Kong flu (H3N2) is an acute respiratory disease that belongs to the subtype of the influenza A virus, which was first identified in Hong Kong in 1968. This strain often causes seasonal epidemics and can have a more severe course compared to other types of influenza.
The H3N2 virus, which causes the Hong Kong flu, belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family and is transmitted through airborne droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.
Experts warn about the rapid spread of this strain and urge the population to take precautions.
The at-risk group includes elderly people, pregnant women, children under two years old, as well as patients with chronic respiratory, heart, vascular, and kidney diseases.
The incubation period for the Hong Kong flu is very short — it takes only 1-2 days from the moment of infection to the appearance of symptoms.
Among the characteristic symptoms of the Hong Kong flu are:
- high fever;
- severe weakness;
- muscle and joint pain;
- sore throat;
- dry cough and possible complications from the respiratory system.
Complications may include secondary bacterial infections affecting various organs and systems of the body.
Medical professionals strongly recommend vaccination, adherence to hygiene standards, and limiting contacts during the epidemic rise.
Find out the contacts of clinics, whose working hours on weekdays have been extended until 8:00 PM.
