Flu and ARVI Cases Surpass Epidemic Threshold in Yaroslavl
During the third week of 2026, from January 12 to 18, an exceedance of the epidemic threshold for ARVI and influenza was recorded in Yaroslavl. This was reported by the A.A. Smorodintsev Influenza Research Institute.
“The epidemic thresholds for total influenza and ARVI incidence across the entire population were exceeded by 20% or more in two out of 61 cities that submitted data,” states the weekly bulletin on the organization’s website.
According to the institute, these two cities are Yaroslavl and Kirov.
The federal Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing) also reported that after the New Year holidays, Russia has seen an increase in consultations for acute respiratory viral infections.
“This is due to citizens returning to work and educational groups. The level of ARVI incidence corresponds to that in mid-November 2025. The number of flu cases remained at the level of the second week of 2026 and amounted to 15.2 thousand cases,” Rospotrebnadzor reported on January 20.
According to the agency, influenza strain A(H3N2) continues to dominate.
A(H3N2) is the so-called Hong Kong flu. It is characterized by an acute onset, high fever, and pronounced intoxication—headache and eye pain, muscle and joint pain, and bone aches. The flu is dangerous due to possible complications.
Rospotrebnadzor added that for prevention, morning screenings are conducted in educational institutions. They also reminded that if the total incidence of acute respiratory infections is equal to or greater than 20%, the educational process may be suspended.
