Infectious diseases physician Evgeny Timakov warned that Russia could see a rise in acute respiratory viral infections after the period of isolation and following the coronavirus pandemic, largely due to weaker immunity. This assessment appeared in a report carried by TASS.
Timakov explained that the coming year could be tough for ARVI activity because many people did not engage in immune-system training during extended isolation. He added that immunity may still be lowered because of prior coronavirus infection, which can alter immune responses and partially erase some immune memories related to other viruses.
The specialist believes that while the total number of ARVI cases may climb, the overall course of illness could be milder, with fewer cases requiring hospitalization or leading to serious complications such as pneumonia.
Earlier, Timakov noted that many people contract coronavirus infections on a roughly six-month cycle, a pattern that influences public health planning and testing strategies. He stressed that in many instances laboratory confirmation is not always possible, since common mild ARVI illnesses are the most frequently observed manifestations in people.
Additionally, Timakov has suggested that the emergence of new COVID-19 strains is driven by ongoing viral evolution, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and vaccination where appropriate. These considerations mirror broader discussions about the evolving landscape of respiratory viruses and their impact on population immunity and healthcare systems. (TASS)