Key Takeaways:

• Saint Petersburg flu threshold remains below epidemic level despite local increases in respiratory infections.
• City saw an 8.5% week-on-week fall in combined ARVI and influenza cases in epidemiological week 52.
• Leningrad region recorded a 21.8% rise but still below epidemic threshold; influenza accounts for a small share of cases.
• Non-influenza viruses dominating cases include SARS-CoV-2, rhinoviruses, parainfluenza and RSV.

Saint Petersburg flu threshold remains below epidemic level ahead of New Year

Saint Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region reported no exceedance of epidemic thresholds for seasonal influenza and acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) as authorities monitored trends ahead of the New Year holiday period, the regional office of Rospotrebnadzor said on Tuesday.

Data for epidemiological week 52 show that the overall rate of combined ARVI and influenza in Saint Petersburg fell by 8.5% compared with the previous week. Health officials emphasised that the epidemic threshold for the combined population of the city has not been exceeded, signalling that, for now, pressure on health services from seasonal respiratory viruses remains within expected limits.

Saint Petersburg flu threshold: Current situation

Influenza accounted for about 7% of reported ARVI cases in Saint Petersburg during the week. By contrast, the Leningrad region experienced a 21.8% rise in overall respiratory illness, but officials noted this increase did not push incidence above the established epidemic threshold for that region. Influenza made up approximately 3.6% of cases there.

Rospotrebnadzor identified non-influenza agents as the dominant drivers of respiratory illness in both areas. These included SARS-CoV-2, rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The mix of circulating viruses is consistent with normal seasonal patterns, according to the statement.

Regional health services continue to monitor hospital admissions and laboratory-confirmed cases. Officials said testing and surveillance remain in place to detect any shift in viral mix or a rise in severe cases that might require additional measures. Hospital preparedness for the holiday period was reviewed at local level to ensure capacity for urgent care if needed.

Public health experts pointed out that the absence of an epidemic-level surge at this stage should not be taken as a reason for complacency. Seasonal respiratory viruses can vary week to week and increases in community mixing during holidays, combined with travel, can accelerate transmission. Vaccination against influenza and timely testing for respiratory pathogens remain the key tools to reduce severe outcomes.

Health authorities reiterated standard guidance for residents: maintain good hand hygiene, stay home when unwell, seek medical advice for high fever or breathing difficulties, and follow local vaccination recommendations. Vulnerable groups, including older adults and those with chronic conditions, were advised to consult their clinicians about prevention and treatment options.

As monitoring continues, officials said they will publish updated figures weekly and adjust recommendations if the situation changes. For now, the lack of an epidemic-level rise in Saint Petersburg offers a measure of reassurance for holiday planning and local health service management, while emphasising the importance of continued vigilance.