Seasonal influenza is responsible for up to 50 million symptomatic illnesses in the European Union each year and 15,000 to 70,000 European citizens die from influenza-related causes. Despite the typically short duration of the disease, it also represents a significant health and economic burden for individual countries.
Based on the autumn domestic data, a quarter of those affected are children, the main reason for this being the not yet fully developed immune system and the high number of social contacts. In the 2024 season, the number of flu-like illnesses in Hungary can be expected to rise further, as the epidemiological data so far predict a stronger flu season than in previous years. The good news is that for the fourth year now, a suspension nasal spray flu vaccine is also available in pharmacies from the beginning of October.
Based on the first weeks of the fall of 2024, more than 40,000 flu-like illnesses have already been registered in Hungary at the beginning of the flu season, and according to experts’ forecasts, the numbers will continue to rise until the spring months. According to data from the National Center for Public Health and Pharmaceuticals (NNGYK), in the 40th week (between September 30 and October 6), 228,000 people consulted a doctor with an acute respiratory infection, of which 18,600 had flu-like symptoms. October 7-13. and between 20,400 people consulted a doctor with flu-like symptoms and 210,400 people with acute respiratory infection symptoms. Both data show a significant increase compared to the same period of the last three years.
A quarter of patients are children aged 0-14. In childhood, the most common complication of the disease is acute otitis media, which is responsible for about 80% of the antibiotic treatment prescribed in their age group. According to studies, their bodies shed the virus for a longer time: they can be infected for up to 10 days, and small children can spread the disease even days before symptoms appear, thus playing a prominent role in its transmission.
Prevention: Hygienic habits and the role of vaccination
Vaccination remains one of the most important means of preventing influenza. In the 2024 season, the flu vaccine recommended by the WHO also provides protection against the latest virus mutations, and for 2-18-year-olds, the vaccine, which can be administered in the form of a needle-free nasal spray, is also available this yearthe Fluenz. The preparation, which contains the virus strains recommended by the WHO and the European Union, has a similar effectiveness to the vaccines given in the form of injections. You can inquire about the free contact information from the children’s general practitioner.
“In terms of getting sick, children are the most at risk, especially those who go out into the community and are therefore more likely to encounter the virus. The vaccines available for the 2024 flu season also protect against the latest virus mutations, and based on the data so far, their effectiveness is outstanding. Vaccination not only reduces the chance of getting sick, but also reduces the risk of more serious complications, which can be especially dangerous for the youngest. Parents can ask pediatricians for more information about flu vaccination.” – said Dr. Katalin Havasi, General Secretary of the Hungarian Pediatric Society.
In addition to vaccination, it is important to develop children’s hygiene habits. Regular hand washing, following sneezing and coughing etiquette and minimizing social contact can help reduce the spread of the virus. In addition, a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, adequate sleep and regular exercise, is key to strengthening the immune system.
Read the patient information leaflet or ask your doctor or pharmacist about the risks and side effects.
Source: AstraZeneca
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
