Key points
- Over 105,000 people fell ill in a week, which is 12.7 per cent less than before.
- The number of COVID-19 cases increased by 2.5 per cent.
- More than 4,000 patients were hospitalised, more than half of them children.
- The epidemic threshold has been exceeded only in the Zaporizhzhia region.
- Since the beginning of the season, nearly 1.7 million Ukrainians have contracted SARS.
Ukraine recorded a decrease in the incidence of influenza, COVID-19, and other acute respiratory viral infections during the week from 29 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. During this period, more than 105,000 people fell ill, which is 12.7 per cent less than a week earlier. Among those who fell ill, adults and children were almost equally represented, but the proportion of cases among children remains high.
Against the backdrop of an overall decline in the number of infections, there has been a slight increase in COVID-19 cases. During the reporting week, 280 cases of coronavirus disease were confirmed, which is 2.5 per cent more than the previous week. Doctors note that in most cases, COVID-19 has a gradual course, with typical symptoms such as fever, cough, general weakness, and sore throat.
A total of 4,068 patients were hospitalised with complications from influenza, COVID-19, and other acute respiratory viral infections. More than half of them are children, which indicates an increased burden on paediatric hospitals during the epidemic season. Doctors emphasise the importance of seeking medical help early if symptoms appear, especially for vulnerable groups of the population.
Only the Zaporizhzhia region has recorded a low level of exceeding the epidemic threshold. In other regions of the country, morbidity rates correspond to the background level of ARVI intensity. Epidemiologists assess the situation as controlled, with no signs of rapid spread of infection in most regions.
Since the start of the epidemic season, which began at the end of September 2025, almost 1.7 million people in Ukraine have had ARVI. This is 6.9 per cent more than during the same period last season. During the same period, more than 19,000 cases of COVID-19 were registered. Experts note that seasonal viruses continue to circulate actively, despite fluctuations in weekly indicators.
Doctors remind us that the flu usually starts abruptly, with a high temperature, chills, severe headache and dry cough, while COVID-19 more often has a gradual development of symptoms. If you experience any signs of illness, it is recommended that you stay at home, limit contact with loved ones and consult your family doctor, avoiding self-medication.
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