January 15, 2026 – Flu and ARVI Prevention Day

Since the beginning of winter, Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) and influenza have become the leading causes of illness.

ARIs are Acute Respiratory Infections (or Viral Infections: influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinoviruses, etc.), a group of respiratory tract diseases (nose, throat, lungs) transmitted through airborne droplets. Symptoms are similar: runny nose, cough, sneezing, headache, sore throat, fatigue, fever.

The source of infection is a person with a clinically expressed or mild form of the disease. Infection is transmitted through airborne droplets and via contaminated hands or objects carrying respiratory viruses.

Influenza is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses (types A, B, C), characterized by high fever, severe intoxication, headache and muscle pain, dry cough, and the risk of serious complications. Unlike other ARIs, influenza develops suddenly and is more severe, primarily transmitted through airborne droplets.

Influenza is a disease familiar to everyone; there are probably no people who have not had it at least once in their lives. Those who have recovered from influenza without complications may think that such a common illness is not serious, but this is far from true. Influenza is insidious and dangerous, primarily due to the development of serious post-influenza complications (bronchitis, pneumonia, myocardial damage, etc.), as well as the exacerbation of existing chronic diseases. Other outcomes are also possible. This is especially true for weakened individuals, the elderly, and children.

Immunization is an effective protection against influenza. Its advantages are obvious, as vaccines are highly specific to the influenza virus strains most relevant for the season.

Vaccine prophylaxis is more than twice as effective as non-specific preventive measures. Influenza vaccination in our country is free of charge, but voluntary paid vaccination is also available. Vaccination is administered once to everyone, except for children aged 6 months to 3 years (who are vaccinated twice). Vaccines have been used for over 50 years, and during this period their safety and effectiveness have increased many times over. All approved vaccines undergo quality control.

To prevent ARVI and influenza, it is necessary to strengthen and toughen your body. Get enough sleep, observe work and rest schedules, and try to spend more time outdoors. When indoors, try to ventilate the room more often. When going for a walk, dress according to the weather and try to avoid hypothermia. Proper nutrition contributes to strengthening the body: include foods rich in vitamins A, C, zinc, and calcium in your diet (citrus fruits, kiwi, bell peppers, dairy and fermented dairy products, hard cheeses, boiled fish, beef, carrots with sour cream, raisins or dried apricots, etc.).

When planning to visit public places, take a medical mask with you: if people in a public place are sneezing and coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a medical mask or handkerchief – this will help prevent infection. Any viral illness contracted and endured "on the go" can lead to undesirable consequences and complications in the future.

To prevent ARVI and influenza, it is necessary to:

- avoid contact with people who have influenza and ARVI;

- limit visits to crowded places or minimize the time spent there;

- use personal respiratory protective equipment (medical masks) when visiting crowded places;

- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue/handkerchief when coughing or sneezing;

- wash your hands frequently.

Stay healthy!
State Institution "Rassonsky Regional Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology", January 2026