The key facts

  • 500,000–600,000 cases of ARVI, influenza and COVID-19 are registered weekly in Russia
  • The share of detected influenza viruses has almost tripled over three weeks
  • 40.4 million Russians have received flu shots; the incidence peak is forecast for January–February 2027

Start of the seasonal rise

Rospotrebnadzor has recorded a seasonal increase in respiratory infections in Russia. According to the agency's press service, cited by RIA Novosti, around 500,000–600,000 cases of ARVI, influenza and COVID-19 are registered in the country every week. Over the past three weeks, the share of detected influenza viruses has almost tripled — experts describe this as a typical picture of a seasonal epidemic rise.

Vaccination and the agency's instructions

At present, the flu shot in Russia has been received by 40.4 million people. Head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova has ordered faster vaccination, especially among risk groups, and stronger control over laboratory testing for influenza and COVID-19 in patients with ARVI symptoms. The agency reminds that vaccination helps avoid severe consequences and complications.

Forecast for the season

On November 10, infectious disease doctor at Invitro Andrei Pozdnyakov told Sib.fm that the peak incidence of ARVI and influenza is forecast for January and February 2027. Updated influenza strains will circulate predominantly. In his assessment, there is no need to fear a flu epidemic — active spread of infections is typical for this time of year. Earlier, Rospotrebnadzor had already recorded cases of swine and Hong Kong flu in Russia.