Flu cases continue to climb in Russia

MOSCOW, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Influenza cases in Russia continue to rise, Russia's Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) said on Tuesday.

More than 635,000 cases of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and COVID-19 were registered across the country during epidemiological week 42 of 2026, according to Rospotrebnadzor.

Non-influenza respiratory viruses predominate among circulating respiratory pathogens, accounting for 96.6 percent of all reported infections, it added. Among these, rhinoviruses represent 45.1 percent and parainfluenza viruses 19.8 percent.

Influenza vaccination campaigns are underway across Russia, with more than 25.7 million people having been vaccinated as of Oct. 20.

Rospotrebnadzor recommends influenza vaccinations, particularly for at-risk groups, including those prone to recurrent acute respiratory viral infections and people with chronic illnesses such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders and obesity. Young children, the elderly and pregnant women are also considered at-risk groups.