INFLUENZA: 2016 RESULTS

The beginning of 2016 was marked by an epidemic circulation of influenza viruses and a rise in the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections from the 2nd till the 16th week of the year. The epidemic peaked in week 4-5 (25-31.01.2016 and 01.02-07.02.2016) when the epidemic thresholds were exceeded in 74 and 68 subjects, respectively, in all federal districts of the Russian Federation, and all age groups were involved into the epidemic process. Among the circulating viruses, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was predominating (82,0–85,0%), and by the end of the epidemic the number of patients with influenza virus type B increased. Seasonal influenza vaccination has proved to be effective. Based on the characteristics of the isolated influenza viruses, the composition of influenza vaccines for 2016-2017 was changed as recommended by the WHO.