Clinical guidelines for acute respiratory viral infections in adults have been updated

According to the definition, ARVI is a group of infectious diseases of viral etiology transmitted by airborne droplets and occurring with predominant damage to the upper respiratory tract with the localization of the pathogen in them. The document states that the incubation period for ARVI is from 1 to 14 days. The new regulations specify that "for the most common viruses" - from 1 to 5 days.

Examination of patients with symptoms of tonsillitis and pneumonia is now recommended to be carried out in accordance with the approved CG for these nosological forms.

Previously, patients with symptoms of bronchitis and difficulty breathing through the nose were recommended to undergo targeted radiography or spiral computed tomography of the chest organs/paranasal sinuses. In the updated recommendations, the Ministry of Health clarified that such studies should be carried out if the illness lasts more than 3-5 days.

During drug therapy, patients with ARVI symptoms are now recommended to use drugs with oxyethylammonium methylphenoxyacetate, azoximer bromide and Rafamine. Kagocel has been removed from the list. Also, patients with uncomplicated ARVI are recommended to use bacterial lysates for immunostimulation.

To relieve intoxication syndrome in patients with moderate and severe ARVI, the regulator recommended prescribing Meglumine sodium succinate. In acute bronchitis, it is recommended to use Ingasalin solution to accelerate the discharge of sputum.

In severe cases of acute respiratory viral infections with complications, the regulator recommends prescribing systemic hormonal drugs, except for sex hormones and insulins. Previously, glucocorticosteroids were recommended in such cases.

In addition, now, taking into account the severity of the disease and individual need, it is recommended to prescribe general tonic drugs and conduct chemoprophylaxis. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to use cholecalciferol, Anaferon, interferon inducers, and bacterial lysates.

The Ministry of Health also removed some warnings. For example, the CR excluded the fact that serological confirmation of diagnosis (except for influenza) is not recommended for retrospective diagnostics. In addition, isolated assessment of only one symptom is not recommended.

In April 2024, the Ministry of Health approved a new standard of medical care for adult patients with acute respiratory viral infections and cancelled its own order of November 7, 2012, No. 657n "On approval of the standard of specialized medical care for severe acute respiratory viral infections." The cancelled order contained 62 names of drugs, including the antibiotics Gentamicin, Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Cefoperazone, Vancomycin and others. The updated standard contains only 38 names.

In June 2025, Rospotrebnadzor presented a report on the state of sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population in Russia in 2024. Among other things, the agency touched on the topic of infectious diseases. It turned out that ARVI took the leading position in causing the greatest economic damage - 816.1 billion rubles. Over the past 13 years, the maximum incidence of ARVI was recorded in 2022 (29,059.21 cases per 100 thousand people). In 2024, ARVI affected 21.5% of the country's population (31.4 million cases), which is 23.6% less than in 2023.