WHO has named Hong Kong flu as the dominant strain in Russia

The Hong Kong flu, known as the influenza A (H3N2) strain, has become dominant in Russia. This was announced on December 16 at the Russian office of the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to WHO, since mid-August 2025, there has been an increase in the number of cases of influenza caused by a new strain of H3N2 (a subtype of the influenza A virus). It is currently the leading virus in Europe, accounting for 80-90% of all reported cases.

"H3N2 is also the dominant subtype of the influenza virus in the Russian Federation. The epidemiological and virological characteristics of the 2025/26 flu season in Russia correspond to those in other countries of the European region," the organization told RIA Novosti.

The news is being updated