The doctor named risk groups for severe respiratory infections and recommended vaccination

General practitioner Alina Azizova said that people with diabetes and reduced immune defense, as well as elderly Russians, are at increased risk of severe respiratory infections.

The main preventative measure against respiratory diseases is vaccination, in particular against influenza, pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b infections.

General preventive measures include avoiding close contact with sick people and large crowds of people, observing personal protective measures, regularly ventilating rooms and wet cleaning.

MOSCOW, September 30 - RIA Novosti. People with diabetes and reduced immune defense, as well as elderly Russians, are at risk of experiencing severe respiratory infections, Alina Azizova, a general practitioner at the SberZdorovye medical company, told RIA Novosti.

“Among the groups at increased risk of severe respiratory infections are young children, people over 60 years of age, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases of the respiratory system and cardiovascular system, diabetes, as well as people with conditions accompanied by a decrease in immune defense. It is especially important for them to discuss preventive measures with their doctor in advance,” Azizova said.

She noted that the main preventive measure against respiratory diseases is vaccination. It is better to get vaccinated against influenza every year in September; it is also worth getting vaccinated against pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b infections. For people at risk, the attending physician may recommend vaccination against several infections, taking into account age, health status and individual risk factors, Azizova added.

General preventive measures can also help: during periods of rising incidence, you should avoid close contact with sick people and large crowds of people. If this is not possible, then you need to follow personal protective measures, and also try not to touch your face with dirty hands and regularly wash them with soap.

“At home and at work, it is recommended to regularly ventilate the premises and carry out wet cleaning. If symptoms of a respiratory infection appear, you should stay at home if possible so as not to transmit the infection to others, and if your health worsens or alarming symptoms appear, consult a doctor,” Azizova emphasized.

The medical company also analyzed anonymized data on Russians visiting doctors with colds. They showed that the seasonal increase in calls for colds in 2026 has already begun: in the first three weeks of September, the average number of daily calls was one and a half times higher than in August.

Analysts noted that the September jump is repeated annually. In September 2025, there were 76% more calls for colds than in August, and in September 2024 there were 55% more calls than in the last summer month.