Influenza or Covid? What's currently putting people to bed?
According to the data from the National Public Health and Medical Officer Service (NNGYK), coronavirus is still responsible for the majority of upper respiratory diseases, but the number of cases originated from influenza, which is currently below 10 percent, is showing growth. Virologist Sándor Tóth expects that, as last year, by mid-January the frequency of infections will reach epidemic case numbers.
FLU SHOTS CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Flu vaccines were distributed to general practitioners at the end of October. The expert advises that it is still advisable for those in high-risk groups to get vaccinated. "Full immunity develops over two weeks, but the production of IgG antibodies begins just three days after vaccination," he explains. The flu vaccine is available free of charge for high-risk individuals, which includes those with chronic illnesses, people over 60, those with compromised immune systems, organ transplant recipients, and patients undergoing oncology treatments.
Tóth pointed out that influenza viruses destroy the ciliated epithelial cells in the lining of the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of complications such as pneumonia, which can be more severe than illnesses caused by the now milder coronavirus.
RSV PRESENCE NOTED
Although to a lesser extent, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is also currently spreading and can cause serious symptoms, particularly in young children and the elderly, resulting in prolonged fever and potentially dehydration. "Most people experience the infection without symptoms because prior exposure to the pathogen can provide immunity against RSV for over 15 years," commented the immunologist. The resurgence of RSV last year was alarming as it had not caused many infections for years, with COVID-19 restrictions pushing out other respiratory infections.
SNEEZING COULD BE CAUSED BY HUNDREDS OF COLD VIRUSES
The report from the NNGYK indicates that in half of the cases, one of the many cold viruses (such as metapneumoviruses, adenoviruses, and rhinoviruses) is responsible. The virologist notes that it is tough to pinpoint exactly what may be causing someone to fall ill, since all these viruses produce similar symptoms. Typically, with a cold, there is either no fever or it subsides after a day or two. However, if the fever persists above 38 degrees Celsius, it is likely an indication of influenza, along with associated joint pain.
Elevated temperatures are rarely seen with the current dominant COVID-19 variant. All of the infections cause dry cough, and the presence of discolored discharge could hint at bacterial complications, for which antibiotics may be the solution.
ONLY OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM CAN BE TRUSTED
The specialist stressed that regardless of which pathogen caused our initial symptoms, it is only our own immune system that can defeat the viruses. Vaccines support this by working in the bloodstream to prevent severe illnesses.
"We may still get infected, but with the help of the vaccine, we can get through the infection faster and with less difficulty. Protecting the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth is necessary to prevent infection, something that can be helped by wearing masks, as well as using certain sprays available from pharmacies, and by observing hygiene rules.
Support for the immune system can come from a diet rich in vitamins, adequate fluid intake, and regular physical exercise. It is also a proven fact that individuals who live without harmful habits fall ill less frequently.
VIRUS EXPOSURES CAN LEAVE LASTING EFFECTS
A study published in the Lancet scientific journal found that influenza can cause post-Covid-like complications that appear later on. An 18-month follow-up of ten thousand people showed that respiratory damages occurred 30 days after an influenza infection. In comparison, complications linked to Covid-19 were found to affect various other organs as well.
The immunologist elaborated that there are viruses that can "hide" in our bodies and activate when our defenses are weakened for some reason, such as the herpes virus or HPV. "There have been cases where encephalitis diagnosed in a person in their early twenties was later found to be caused by measles virus encountered in childhood," detailed the specialist, noting that this is particularly rare.
The virologist does not expect seasonal respiratory infections to surge dramatically in the coming months. "We can expect an influenza epidemic similar to last year, possibly extending into April," he concludes.
Flu vaccines were distributed to general practitioners at the end of October. The expert advises that it is still advisable for those in high-risk groups to get vaccinated. "Full immunity develops over two weeks, but the production of IgG antibodies begins just three days after vaccination," he explains. The flu vaccine is available free of charge for high-risk individuals, which includes those with chronic illnesses, people over 60, those with compromised immune systems, organ transplant recipients, and patients undergoing oncology treatments.
Tóth pointed out that influenza viruses destroy the ciliated epithelial cells in the lining of the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of complications such as pneumonia, which can be more severe than illnesses caused by the now milder coronavirus.
RSV PRESENCE NOTED
Although to a lesser extent, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is also currently spreading and can cause serious symptoms, particularly in young children and the elderly, resulting in prolonged fever and potentially dehydration. "Most people experience the infection without symptoms because prior exposure to the pathogen can provide immunity against RSV for over 15 years," commented the immunologist. The resurgence of RSV last year was alarming as it had not caused many infections for years, with COVID-19 restrictions pushing out other respiratory infections.
SNEEZING COULD BE CAUSED BY HUNDREDS OF COLD VIRUSES
The report from the NNGYK indicates that in half of the cases, one of the many cold viruses (such as metapneumoviruses, adenoviruses, and rhinoviruses) is responsible. The virologist notes that it is tough to pinpoint exactly what may be causing someone to fall ill, since all these viruses produce similar symptoms. Typically, with a cold, there is either no fever or it subsides after a day or two. However, if the fever persists above 38 degrees Celsius, it is likely an indication of influenza, along with associated joint pain.
Elevated temperatures are rarely seen with the current dominant COVID-19 variant. All of the infections cause dry cough, and the presence of discolored discharge could hint at bacterial complications, for which antibiotics may be the solution.
ONLY OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM CAN BE TRUSTED
The specialist stressed that regardless of which pathogen caused our initial symptoms, it is only our own immune system that can defeat the viruses. Vaccines support this by working in the bloodstream to prevent severe illnesses.
"We may still get infected, but with the help of the vaccine, we can get through the infection faster and with less difficulty. Protecting the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth is necessary to prevent infection, something that can be helped by wearing masks, as well as using certain sprays available from pharmacies, and by observing hygiene rules.
Support for the immune system can come from a diet rich in vitamins, adequate fluid intake, and regular physical exercise. It is also a proven fact that individuals who live without harmful habits fall ill less frequently.
VIRUS EXPOSURES CAN LEAVE LASTING EFFECTS
A study published in the Lancet scientific journal found that influenza can cause post-Covid-like complications that appear later on. An 18-month follow-up of ten thousand people showed that respiratory damages occurred 30 days after an influenza infection. In comparison, complications linked to Covid-19 were found to affect various other organs as well.
The immunologist elaborated that there are viruses that can "hide" in our bodies and activate when our defenses are weakened for some reason, such as the herpes virus or HPV. "There have been cases where encephalitis diagnosed in a person in their early twenties was later found to be caused by measles virus encountered in childhood," detailed the specialist, noting that this is particularly rare.
The virologist does not expect seasonal respiratory infections to surge dramatically in the coming months. "We can expect an influenza epidemic similar to last year, possibly extending into April," he concludes.
