“Izvestia”: the Hong Kong type of virus accounts for the bulk of influenza incidence in Russia

The influenza virus, known as the Hong Kong variant, which circulated actively in the 60s, is the leading cause of illness among Russians in 2023. Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and virologist Sergei Netesov stated this in an interview with the Izvestia newspaper.

Netesov noted that this variant of influenza, which is a descendant of the 1968 Hong Kong virus, has evolved far from its prototype. For several years, this variant was less common among other flu variants. He also noted that this may be one of the reasons for the slight delay in the rise in incidence.

The bulk of influenza incidence is caused by Hong Kong-type viruses, which have changed compared to previous seasons. Vaccinologists have modified the vaccine strain to combat these changes more effectively.

The decline in air travel is also linked to a late rise in cases this year, slowing the spread of infections from other countries.

Netesov explained that the peak incidence of respiratory infections usually occurs in early January to early February. The flu is currently spreading slower than the coronavirus.

He also noted that the incidence of influenza this year is significantly lower than last year, according to the Influenza Research Institute in St. Petersburg. However, the incidence is still increasing, although it does not reach the level of the same period in 2022.

Netesov recalled the need to wear masks and reduce stay in crowded places for people belonging to high-risk groups.