H3N2 outbreak: ‘Hong Kong flu’ in Armenia – Out of Sight
December 21 2025, 14:00
Armenia is experiencing a rise in acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). Since October, more than 15,000 people have already sought care at state medical institutions. According to specialists, the predominant strain at the moment is Influenza A subtype H3N2, known as “Hong Kong flu.” Eighty percent of the recorded cases are among children.
The “Hong Kong flu” was first recorded in Hong Kong in 1968. It is believed that the virus is transmitted by migratory birds.
This strain can be particularly severe for children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. The illness is accompanied by numerous symptoms: high fever, chills, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, weakness, a sense of exhaustion, and dry cough.
Despite the fact that most cases are among children, Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan has stated that there is no danger of suspending classes in schools and kindergartens. Beyond offering free vaccinations, what is the state doing to control the epidemic situation in the country?
Epidemiologist Grigor Grigoryan does not trust the statistics presented by the ministry and approaches the issue of vaccination with reservations: “Vaccination today is the most effective tool in the fight against infectious diseases, but when that tool falls into treacherous and sacrilegious hands, it can serve as an instrument of genocide.”
This time, Alpha News has also paid attention to the topic of acute respiratory infections in the country.
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