Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus: flu vaccination is a healthy lifestyle trend

Currently, non-influenza respiratory viruses—such as parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, bocaviruses, and adenoviruses—are being detected. An increase in incidence is forecast for the traditional period of late January to early February, with a peak expected in mid-to-late February. Non-influenza viruses, influenza viruses, and SARS-CoV-2 will all be circulating.

Experts predict that one subtype of the influenza A virus will circulate less widely, while another subtype is expected to become dominant. Influenza B typically emerges toward the end of the epidemic season—late winter or early spring—and may trigger a second surge in cases.

Regarding prevention, the primary measure is vaccinating the population against influenza. Vaccination campaigns in Belarus traditionally began in October. In accordance with World Health Organization recommendations for the Northern Hemisphere, all three influenza strains in the vaccine have been updated for the current year. The fourth strain included in quadrivalent vaccines has not been detected globally since 2020, yet it remains a component of these four-strain preparations.

"The Russian-made 'Grippol Plus'—a trivalent vaccine well-known to the public and long used in the country—is available on both a free and paid basis. Vaccines available on a paid basis include the Dutch-made 'Influvac Tetra' (a quadrivalent vaccine) and the French-made 'Vaxigrip' (a trivalent vaccine). All these products have a long history of use in the country and have proven their quality, safety, and efficacy against influenza viruses, as well as their ability not only to prevent severe illness and adverse outcomes but also to reduce the overall risk of contracting respiratory infections," specialists noted.

Regarding non-specific prevention measures, the public is advised to maintain a healthy balance between work and rest, eat a balanced diet, spend more time outdoors, avoid crowded places, limit contact with individuals showing symptoms of respiratory infections, practice good personal hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and ensure rooms are ventilated and wet-cleaned regularly.

To date, more than 70,000 people in the republic have been vaccinated, and the vaccination drive is proceeding at a good pace. "Our population is highly committed to flu vaccination; indeed—and I do not hesitate to use this word—vaccination against infectious diseases has become a 'healthy lifestyle trend' in our country," speakers emphasized during the press conference.