In Russia, parents are urged to follow clear guidelines to shield children from the rising number of flu and ARVI cases. The guidance comes from Lidia Ilyenko, a pediatrician with a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree, who serves as the dean of the faculty of pediatrics at the Russian National Research Medical University named after NI. Pirogov, and who represents the Ministry of Health of Russia. Her insights emphasize practical steps families can take to safeguard child health during the flu season and broader respiratory illness outbreaks.
One of the primary recommendations is to keep children at home when they are ill, especially when symptoms suggest a contagious infection. Staying home helps prevent the spread of illness to siblings, classmates, and friends, and it also allows time for proper observation and care. Early, appropriate management is important, not only to relieve symptoms but also to prevent potential complications. In addition to rest, parents should consider supportive measures and timely medical consultation as part of a comprehensive approach to care during the illness and recovery period.
Dr. Ilyenko notes that vaccination plays a significant role in reducing severe outcomes. While it is true that vaccinated individuals can still become ill, the chances of serious disease, hospitalization, or intensive care admission are markedly lower among those who are protected. This is a widely recognized precaution, yet a portion of parents remains hesitant about vaccines. Public health messaging continues to underscore the protective benefits of vaccination for children and the broader community alike.
The specialist also underscores the speed of response. The sooner treatment begins after symptoms appear, the quicker a child is likely to recover and regain normal activity. Parents are advised to avoid self-medication and not to administer antibiotics without professional guidance. A clinical evaluation helps determine whether antibiotics are necessary, and it screens for other conditions that may require different treatments. In the meantime, caregivers can support recovery with warm fluids, balanced nutrition, appropriate rest, and home-based routines that help the child feel secure and comfortable while the illness runs its course.
Reports from the federal service on consumer rights and public health protection indicate a continued rise in flu and ARVI activity across the country. The ministry highlighted an 8.8 percent increase in detected cases compared with the previous week, with higher incidence recorded across all age groups. This trend underscores the importance of timely preventive measures, vigilance for fever and respiratory symptoms, and prompt medical consultation when a child’s condition worsens or fails to improve as expected.
Earlier communications also noted growing instances of ARVI, influenza, and COVID-19 among the population. Health authorities emphasize the value of routine preventive care, particularly for young children and those with underlying conditions. Keeping up with vaccinations where appropriate, maintaining good hand hygiene, ensuring clean living environments, and staying current with local health advisories all contribute to reducing transmission and protecting vulnerable groups within households and communities.