Key points:
- The number of cases of SARS, influenza, and COVID-19 is growing in Ukraine in the 2025–2026 season
- The Ministry of Health reminds the public of the basic rules for preventing winter illnesses
- Hypothermia and frostbite remain among the main winter risks
- The use of generators and heaters increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Timely medical care reduces the risk of complications and fatalities
Ukraine is experiencing a seasonal increase in respiratory infections. According to the Ministry of Health, since the beginning of the 2025–2026 epidemic season, more than 1.3 million Ukrainians have contracted SARS, influenza, or COVID-19. Traditionally, this period lasts from autumn to spring and is accompanied by an increased burden on the healthcare system.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the most effective protection during the cold season is a combination of vaccination, adherence to personal hygiene rules, and paying close attention to one’s own well-being. Regular hand washing, airing rooms, eating a balanced diet, and limiting time spent in crowded places reduce the risk of infection. If cold symptoms appear, doctors advise staying at home and seeking medical help rather than self-medicating.
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Among the most common symptoms of ARVI, doctors list headache, sore throat, muscle and joint aches, cough, and fever. Only a doctor can determine the necessary treatment and provide safe recommendations based on these symptoms.
The Ministry of Health, together with the WHO Office in Ukraine, pays special attention to winter hazards not directly related to viral infections. Hypothermia most often occurs due to prolonged exposure to cold, damp or insufficiently warm clothing, and low physical activity. Experts advise dressing in layers, staying active, and avoiding alcohol, which creates a false sense of warmth and contributes to dehydration.
According to doctors, frostbite most often affects exposed areas of the body — fingers, toes, nose, ears, and cheeks. Loss of sensation, numbness, and skin discoloration are signs of immediate danger. In such cases, do not rub the affected areas or warm them up abruptly. The person must be moved to a warm place and emergency medical assistance must be sought.
Additional risks arise in winter due to the active use of generators, stoves, and gas appliances. The Ministry of Health warns of the danger of carbon monoxide—a colorless and odorless gas that, even in small concentrations, can cause severe poisoning or death. Headaches, nausea, weakness, and dizziness are the first symptoms that require immediate attention. If poisoning is suspected, ensure access to fresh air, leave the premises, and call emergency services.
Doctors emphasize that generators and gasoline engines should not be used in residential areas or near windows and vents. The most effective treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is oxygen therapy, which is administered in medical facilities.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that following simple safety rules in winter helps to stay healthy, reduce the risk of complications, and get the necessary medical care in time.
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