In Russia, a rise in illness has been observed when people contract multiple infections at once, a situation scientists describe as superinfection. This pattern has been noted in reports that cite doctors who were interviewed for the coverage. The trend suggests that simultaneous influenza and ARVI (acute respiratory viral infections) are more common when the overall spread of viruses is high, particularly during the winter peak when respiratory pathogens circulate more actively and survive better in cold conditions.
Therapist Alina Krasikova explains that one contributing factor is the general decline in the immune defenses of individuals. When the immune system is stretched by several infections occurring together, the risk of symptom severity increases and recovery can take longer. The intensified spread of viruses in winter, coupled with their resilience in lower temperatures, helps explain why co-infections become more likely during this season.
Another factor Krasikova highlights is environmental. Reduced air humidity in workplaces and homes can dry the mucous membranes that line the nose and throat, which acts as a first line of defense against respiratory viruses. When these barriers dry out, the body becomes more susceptible to influenza and ARVI, creating a higher chance that two or more infections take hold at once.
The publication references LabQuest statistics from data gathered between December 1, 2023, and January 10, 2024. It notes that a mixture of different infections was detected in nearly one out of ten cases (about 9%). Among confirmed cases, influenza A was the most frequently identified virus, accounting for about 29.7% of detections. These findings align with the seasonal pattern seen in many regions, where influenza A tends to be a dominant contributor to respiratory illness during the winter months.
Galina Tabakina, an infectious diseases specialist at a leading federal medical institute, cautions that simultaneous infections from different viral diseases can markedly raise the risk of complications. Such co-infections can worsen chronic conditions and further compromise the body’s immune defenses, underscoring the importance of targeted prevention and early treatment strategies to reduce the burden on health systems during peak seasons. These insights help explain why clinicians emphasize vaccination, hygiene measures, and prompt medical attention when symptoms appear, especially for vulnerable populations.
Previously, authorities noted a decline in influenza A incidence as part of ongoing surveillance, a reminder that viral activity can fluctuate with changes in weather patterns and public health interventions. Continuous monitoring remains essential to understanding how co-infections develop and to guiding recommendations for individuals seeking to reduce their risk during high transmission periods.