The fact that this year flu appeared all over the world, much earlier than usual, and in a society that had lost immunity to the virus in question. -due to its prevalence coronavirus- already known.

In Greece (where one influenza death has so far been reported), many cases are now present in the pediatric group and far fewer in adults. children’s hospitals and pediatrics they are already getting many cases of influenza and other respiratory viruses.

According to Nicoletta Robin, addition Professor of Pulmonology – Intensive Care EKPAone reason this happens is because children have a more immature immune system than adults who have been exposed to viruses and infections for years, and their bodies “remember” what they have to deal with.

“In addition, socialization in schools is more intense than any other social activity. At the same time Mr. vaccination since the flu in this age group is not massive and widespread, while security measures should coronavirushave been removed,” RS. Robinwho says that in the hospital “Sotiria”, where she works, they got the flu (SS responsible for this is usually a respiratory virus such as syncytial –RSV- or some kind of rhinovirus) are also high, but adults are responding well so far, with no noticeable hospitalizations.

The effect of the influenza vaccine after 2 years of its “zero” presence

According to RS. Robin however, aside from the null immunity of young and old against influenza, this year’s vaccines may be less effective than in previous years. She explains why.

“Each year, influenza vaccines are produced based on epidemiological data from the previous year. On two/two and a half years, however, we were almost completely protected from this virus, because coronavirus. So it’s possible that vaccines don’t accurately reflect the currently prevailing phenotypes. In other words, they cover influenza A and B, but perhaps not each these years subphenotypes. This does not mean that this year’s vaccines are ineffective. If the world has solidified something with it coronavirusThis is why vaccines never protect us 100% from contracting a virus, but they do protect us from serious diseases.”

Children as the main carriers of influenza

According to the president of the Panhellenic Federation, the flu first “hatches” in the womb of children and then spreads to the rest of society. Freelancers pediatricians, Costa Daluka.

He emphasizes that even if pediatricians and pediatric hospitals are currently receiving many cases of influenza, the picture is under control in children, since influenza A accounts for the majority of cases (H1N1). According to Mr. DalukaA causes milder disease than B.

As for the effectiveness of the vaccine, in children it is 60-65%, and in the elderly it is much lower. “In a number of foreign countries for this last group, this year a more enhanced anti-influenza vaccine is being produced, i.e. Dalukas and adds: “Physicians targeted January, the elderly and vulnerable groups, as the groups expected them to take over the influenza ‘baton’ from children.”

First cases of streptococcus in Greece

The pediatrician also notes that there are already cases of streptococcus in Greece, and this, paradoxically, is the same, since this particular bacterium (which in Britain is responsible for the death of 15 children this winter) usually appears in the spring – it is noted that the main symptom that he gives, is tonsillitis.

How Mr. Dalukas:”This year we are seeing an increase in the incidence of streptococcus in our country. Personally, I have already seen five children with streptococcus. pharyngitis. However, it does not seem that the disease is in Greece. penetrating, that streptococcus enters the bloodstream and causes pneumonia or meningitis, as we see in the UK. Thus, parents do not have to worry about a very serious illness, but, on the other hand, they should be on the lookout and rush to the doctor with symptoms without improvising with syrups. etc“.

It is noted that the symptoms of streptococcus mainly include sore throat. -With dysphagia- high fever, malaise, myalgia, headache and in some cases rash.

“Vaccines are needed more than ever if we don’t want to wear masks”

Finally, Oh George P. Khrusosprofessor of pediatrics and endocrinology EKPA notes that this year is characterized by… massive attack by respiratory viruses, including coronavirus, with the first recipients in the social chain, children.

He emphasizes the following: “Vaccines are needed now more than ever. In the case of influenza, for example, this should be extended to the entire population, with special attention given to children, as they are where transmission begins. A systemic attitude to vaccinations is a much better solution than to continue to live “depending” on protective masks, the bad lies of which depress when they are constantly used, especially by children.

Mr Chrousos says this year’s flu vaccine is “rich” because it contains 4 different strains, but he also thinks it’s possible it might not “capture” the phenotypes that are currently circulating.

Finally, the professor does not think that the situation with streptococcus can go to our country. “Firstly, it is curable, and if the situation becomes serious, there is also a special medicine to treat it,” he says and concludes: “I believe the reason he left for the UK is due to misdiagnosis and a slow healthcare system that underestimates such conditions.. In Greece, we are doing very well with early diagnosis, despite our many problems.”