ARVI surge hits Saratov teens and adults

During the third week of 2026, the region registered an increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). For the week, 12,502 cases of ARVI were identified, which is 32.59% (or 3,073 cases) more than the previous week. This was reported at a briefing on January 22 by Deputy Minister of Health Denis Graifer.

Despite the increase, the epidemic threshold for the total population has not been exceeded and remains 4.87% lower. The situation varies by age group: among children under 14, the incidence remains significantly below the threshold (from 12.58% to 42.19%), while among teenagers and adults aged 15 and older, it exceeds the threshold by 36.13%. During the week, doctors hospitalized 293 people with ARVI.

Since the beginning of the epidemic season (from the 45th week of 2025), 3,067 cases of influenza have been laboratory-confirmed in the region. Influenza A virus predominates, accounting for more than 97% of all identified cases. Moreover, 223 cases are attributed to the Hong Kong strain.

Simultaneously, there is an increase in the incidence of COVID-19. During the third week of January, 56 cases of the new coronavirus infection were identified, which is 75% more than a week earlier. However, overall for 11 months of 2025, the level of COVID-19 incidence was 3.5 times lower than in the same period of 2024.

Also at the briefing, it was revealed that residents of the region overconsume sugar, salt, red meat, and sausage. An excess of these products can lead to various diseases, warned Professor Marina Kunitsina of Saratov State Medical University. The specialist believes that red meat should be eaten 1–2 times a week. Instead, it is better to eat chicken, eggs, and fish.