Overview
- Andrey Tyazhelnikov of the Moscow Department of Health said vaccination is the most effective protection against influenza and its complications.
- He noted that vaccine-induced immunity develops in roughly two weeks and that getting vaccinated remains beneficial even after the season begins.
- Influenza typically starts abruptly with high fever up to 40°C, pronounced body aches and chills, contrasting with the more gradual course of common ARVI.
- The illness more frequently leads to serious outcomes such as pneumonia, otitis, meningitis, and damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
- Officials reported no recent severe flu among those vaccinated on time in Moscow, while advising hand hygiene, ventilation, rest, fluids, and medical consultation when possible.