QNA
Doha
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), has urged members of the community to take the necessary precautions against viral respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), during the winter season.
Director of the Health Protection and Communicable Diseases Control Department at MOPH, Dr Hamad Al Romaihi stressed the importance of preventive measures, stating, “As the weather cools and respiratory viruses spread quickly and more easily, it’s vital that people act to reduce their risk of infection.”
Dr Al Romaihi noted that while anyone can contract influenza or RSV, certain groups are at greater risk of severe illness from these viruses.
These groups include individuals aged 50 and above, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and children under five years old.
Symptoms of influenza and RSV can be very similar, including fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, headaches, and occasionally shortness of breath. Dr Al Romaihi advised individuals experiencing these symptoms to stay home to prevent spreading the infection to others. page 3
