The infectious disease specialist spoke about the forms of Hong Kong flu in Russians

Russians suffering from Hong Kong flu carry the infection in mild and moderate to severe forms. This was announced on December 21 by Elena Malinnikova, MD, infectious diseases specialist, virologist.

"Today, there is an increase in the incidence of influenza due to influenza A, the so-called Hong Kong H3N2 flu. <...> I can say that the clinic mainly has mild and moderate—severe diseases," she said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Malinnikova clarified that the Hong Kong flu has been known since 1968 and has been circulating for a long time. The virologist also added that according to the epidemiological laws of its development, antigenic shifts should have occurred in the virus, which could lead to serious changes.

Hong Kong wheeze: flu incidence in Russia increased by 35 in two weeks%

But the pace began to decrease, Rospotrebnadzor said.

Dmitry Edelev, MD, said on December 18 that the incubation period of the Hong Kong flu does not exceed two days. He noted that for others, the sick person is contagious the day before the first signs of the disease appear and about 5-7 days after the onset of the disease. At the same time, if the disease proceeds without complications, the acute phase lasts about 4-5 days.

The press service of Rospotrebnadzor reported on December 16 that the incidence of influenza in Russia is estimated to be moderate.

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