Not only pandemic influenza A: doctor warns of complications from influenza B
7 March 2025 13:24
OPINION
The epidemiological situation in Ukraine is worsening with the simultaneous circulation of influenza A and B viruses, which is a cause for serious concern for doctors. This was reported by epidemiologist Natalia Timko in an exclusive commentary to "Komersant Ukrainian".
In general, according to the doctor, 22 regions of Ukraine have already reported the detection of the flu virus, which indicates an aggravation of the epidemic situation in the country.
“The peculiarity of this epidemic season is that the influenza A virus, in particular its AH1 type, which is pandemic and similar to the one that spread in 2009, and the influenza B virus are circulating simultaneously,”
– she noted.
According to her, usually the type B virus is more mild and causes fewer complications, but not this year.
“This year we see that the influenza B virus is putting a lot of people in hospital beds, and it also causes viral complications, such as inflammation of the brain substance, encephalitis, and pneumonia,”
– says the doctor.
In addition to influenza viruses, cases of diseases caused by rhinovirus and rhinovirus are also being reported, she says.
“We urge people to follow the recommendations: do not go outside at the first sign of a cold, do not send children to school and stay at home to avoid spreading the infection and avoid complications,”
– emphasized Natalia Timko.
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How to catch the flu virus
The influenza virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, which means it can be contracted through close contact (staying at a distance of about 2 meters).
First symptoms: what is the difference between a cold and the flu?
A respiratory viral infection (cold) is often called “flu,” although the difference between them is significant, both in terms of the dynamics of the disease and its complications.
Theflu starts suddenly. Often, at the beginning of the disease, severe headache and muscle pain, fever, weakness, and severe fatigue appear. The flu begins with a sharp rise in temperature, and respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, mucus production, and sore throat are added later.
The influenza virus primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and lungs, and in addition, the heart muscle and the inner surface of blood vessels. This was shown by recent research at the Ohio State University (USA). That’s why the most common complications of influenza are pneumonia, heart failure, and thrombosis. In addition, the course of influenza exacerbates chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.
Thecommon cold develops over several days, and people often suffer from it on their feet. It usually starts with a sore throat and runny nose. Within a few days, a person has a sore throat, a stuffy nose, a slightly elevated temperature, weakness, and a headache.
