Medical advice for preventing respiratory viruses and coronavirus variants

With the arrival of autumn and the approach of winter, health concerns regarding the spread of infectious diseases are resurfacing. Dr. Adel El-Shenawy, a consultant in respiratory diseases, warned of an active wave of respiratory viruses coinciding with the accelerating climate changes. This warning comes at a time when the world is witnessing a recurring pattern of overlap between several viruses, necessitating increased public health awareness to confront a range of infections, including variants of the coronavirus (COVID-19), seasonal influenza of all types, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the common cold, and adenoviruses, which thrive in such weather conditions.

A fertile environment for the spread of infection

Dr. El-Shenawy described this transitional period as a "fertile ground" for the spread of various viruses. Scientifically, this spread is attributed to several environmental and behavioral factors, most notably the drop in temperatures, which helps some viruses survive longer periods, in addition to people's tendency to gather in poorly ventilated, enclosed spaces, facilitating transmission through airborne droplets. The consultant pointed out that the noticeable increase in infection rates is an expected and natural annual occurrence within the seasonal viral cycle, and does not warrant panic or excessive anxiety, provided it is handled wisely and the necessary preventative measures are taken.

Most vulnerable groups

El Shenawy stressed the importance of not underestimating or ignoring initial symptoms, warning that neglect could lead to undesirable health complications, including severe pneumonia. These complications are more severe for the most vulnerable groups in society, namely:

• Elderly people: due to weakened natural immunity with advancing age.
• Children and infants: especially with regard to the syncytial virus, which greatly affects their delicate airways.
• People with chronic illnesses: such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and those suffering from immunodeficiency.

Isolation strategy and red lines

Dr. Al-Shenawi called for activating the principle of "self-isolation" as an ethical and health measure, and avoiding direct contact between infected and healthy people as soon as signs of infection appear, which include high fever, runny nose, cough, body aches, or loss of the senses of smell and taste, in order to break the chain of infection in the community and reduce the pressure on the health system.

He also outlined red lines that necessitate immediate hospitalization and not relying solely on home treatment, including:

• A severe and persistent rise in temperature that does not respond to painkillers and fever reducers.
• Feeling short of breath, suffocated, or constantly panting even during rest.
• The appearance of a severe and sudden skin rash.
• Severe fatigue cases that may reach the point of repeated fainting or mental confusion.

Dr. El Shenawy concluded his advice by emphasizing that community awareness and early intervention in dealing with symptoms constitute the first line of defense, urging everyone to adhere to known preventive measures such as handwashing, good ventilation, and taking available seasonal vaccines to safely navigate the respiratory virus season.