The decrease in the incidence of influenza is associated with a successful vaccination campaign and the prevention of coronavirus. Larisa Kartavtseva, Chairperson of the Moscow City Duma Commission on Health and Public Health, shared this opinion with the Moscow City News Agency.
“For the period from 25 to 31 January, Moscow has recorded a record low incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza among residents. According to Rospotrebnadzor, the indicators are below the estimated epidemic threshold by almost 60%. At the same time, among children, the indicators are even better: in the age group from zero to two years, they are 79.4% lower, from three to six years old - by 85%, from seven to 14 years old - 79.3%. There are two reasons for this trend. First, a highly successful influenza vaccination campaign took place in Moscow. Almost 60% of Muscovites, including children, were vaccinated, these are excellent indicators. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to fight any virus. Secondly, the safety measures that we began to observe in the fight against coronavirus infection were able to protect people also from seasonal acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. Wearing masks and gloves in public places, maintaining social distance and the habit of washing hands and using a sanitizer as often as possible helped,”said Kartavtseva. The MP added that the decrease in the incidence of influenza was facilitated by a significant reduction in passenger traffic in public transport, due to the mode of distance work and training. In addition, according to Kartavtseva, over the past year, most Muscovites have become more conscious about their health and stopped ignoring the signs of illness. “Until recently, many were of the opinion that a low temperature, sore throat or runny nose was not a reason for getting sick leave. For many, it was normal to go to work with a cold or send unhealthy children to school. During the pandemic, this became more strict, and this is a good trend. If the treatment is started at an early stage, it is much easier to cope with the disease,”the deputy emphasized.