The key facts
- More than 555,000 cases of ARVI, influenza and COVID-19 were registered in Russia in the 44th week of 2026.
- Rospotrebnadzor records a week-on-week increase in the number of influenza cases.
- The overall incidence level still corresponds to usual seasonal figures.
Rising illness rates and attention to the flu
In the 44th week of 2026, doctors in Russia registered more than 555,000 cases of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and COVID-19, the press service of Rospotrebnadzor reported. According to the agency, the overall incidence level still corresponds to the seasonal figures typical for this time of year, but experts particularly highlight the dynamics of influenza: the number of patients with it is growing from week to week, meaning that, against the backdrop of the usual autumn rise in respiratory infections, one of the most dangerous seasonal viruses is spreading more actively.
How to tell the flu from a cold
The overall statistics include three groups of illnesses — acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and coronavirus infection — and symptoms alone do not always make it possible to identify the pathogen. Earlier, virologist Elena Malinnikova explainedthat influenza often begins abruptly: the temperature can quickly rise to 39 degrees, and the condition is accompanied by a severe headache, muscle aches and pronounced weakness. She also warned about possible complications and cautioned against self-treatment when characteristic symptoms appear.
Recommendations from specialists
Specialists remind people about preventive measures: regular hand washing, ventilating rooms and, where possible, avoiding close contact with those who are ill. If signs of a respiratory infection appear, it is recommended to stay home and seek medical care rather than trying to make a diagnosis on your own.
