The incidence of ARVI in Belarus does not exceed epidemic thresholds and is caused by non-influenza viruses

December 28, Minsk /Olga Shvaiko - BELTA/. The incidence of ARVI in Belarus does not exceed epidemic thresholds and is caused by non-influenza viruses. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by the Ministry of Health. Among the sick, as before, the largest proportion are children - 59.1%. According to the monitoring conducted, non-influenza respiratory viruses were detected in 96.2% of positive results of the examined biological material. In particular, RSV viruses - 30.2%, adenoviruses - 17%, parainfluenza viruses - 17%, mixed infections - 315, Mycoplasma pneumoniae - 1%. Influenza B viruses were detected in 3.8% of the examined samples. In most countries of the WHO European Region, influenza activity remains low. At the same time, in England, Ireland, Russia, Ukraine, Belgium, and France, an increase in medical consultations and the number of influenza viruses detected in the examined biological material are registered - pandemic influenza A/H1N1, type B, and influenza A/H3N2. An analysis of the epidemic situation regarding influenza in Belarus showed that an epidemic can be expected at the end of January - beginning of February, which is consistent with the previously given forecast. Currently, the Ministry of Health is carrying out a set of organizational measures aimed at reducing the incidence of acute respiratory infections. Attention is paid to the readiness of healthcare organizations to work during the influenza epidemic period, the availability of the necessary quantity of medicines and medical supplies for the treatment of ARVI, and compliance with sanitary and hygienic and anti-epidemic measures at enterprises, in educational institutions, and healthcare organizations. On the eve of the New Year and Christmas holidays, medics remind that during this time, one should remember not only about pleasant pastime but also about trying not to get sick oneself and not to be a source of infection for one's family and friends. To do this, one should adhere to a few rules. Systematically ventilate the room, spend more time outdoors, observe personal hygiene rules, eat rationally, and the food should contain a sufficient amount of vitamins. In addition, one should try to avoid crowded places. In case of illness, one should not self-medicate, and under no circumstances should one "carry the infection on one's feet." This is dangerous not only for the sick person but also serves as a powerful source of virus spread among the population. -0-