During the week, reports showed that the spread of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in Russia rose by 17 percent. The press service of Rospotrebnadzor reported that the number of cases remains 16 percent lower than in the same period last year.
In the 48th week, the incidence of influenza and ARVI in Russia increased by 17.1 percent compared with the previous week. The report notes that the average rate across Russia stands at 71.1 cases per 10 thousand people.
Despite the rise, the total numbers are still 16.7 percent lower than the figure for the same week in 2022.
Rospotrebnadzor also reported a 22.8 percent uptick in coronavirus cases in Russia over the weekend, with the disease detected in about 97 thousand patients.
Therapist Lyudmila Lapa explained that allergies are common in the winter months for many Russians. Flu often acts as a secondary factor, while coughing illnesses, sore throats, and ARVI remain frequent concerns for this season.
A pediatrician previously pointed out two instances of runny noses in children that can be contagious.
In broad terms, health authorities emphasize vigilance during the colder months, noting that the combination of allergic reactions and seasonal viruses can complicate symptoms. They advise practical steps to reduce transmission and encourage families to seek medical guidance when symptoms escalate. The data from the latest weekly surveillance helps doctors forecast trends and tailor recommendations for vaccination and treatment during the winter period. Ongoing monitoring by health agencies continues to track influenza, ARVI, and coronavirus activity across regions, providing citizens with timely information about risk levels and protective measures. [attribution: Rospotrebnadzor weekly bulletin]