Critical influenza pandemic approaching

The number of patients infected by influenza virus has not reached the level of pandemic, so it is not too late to receive the respective vaccine. 1.3 million free vaccines have arrived to doctors nationwide, as Index reported. These are recommended especially for people above 60 years or below 2 years, as well as for patients with chronic diseases and pregnant women. The lack of vaccination might lead to an infectious illness with 3-5 days of fever.

Though influenza is not so risky for young people with a healthy immune system, it can be lethal for the more endangered groups.

More people die of the complications of the influenza in the infection period every year in Hungary.

Flu season usually begins in the middle of January and lasts for two months. People become immune to the virus two weeks after vaccination. Protection is not hundred percent effective, of course, but it greatly reduces the risks and the severity of the illness.

World Health Organization determines the three components of the vaccine each year, calculating the most effective protection against the pandemic. Last year’s efficiency always determines the number of people asking for vaccination next year.