Monday 13/October/2025 – 04:27 AM
Dr. Heba Hani Assal, Professor of Chest Diseases at Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, confirmed that expectations for the upcoming winter season indicate that the epidemiological situation has stabilized and that new viruses will not appear unlike what was witnessed in previous years, noting that the most common viruses this year will be seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in addition to limited cases of the new Corona virus, which has begun to show symptoms. Similar to the role of a common cold.
Influenza remains the most virulent respiratory disease
“Asal” said in an interview with the “Medical Files” program on Al-Shams Channel, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects a season similar to last year, without surprises and with a stable spread pattern. She explained that influenza is still the virus of greatest concern to doctors due to the severity of its symptoms and its significant impact on the most vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, noting that infection can be violent in these groups in particular.
“Asal” attributed the difference in the severity of influenza from year to year to what is known as “genetic mutations,” where the genetic composition of the virus changes every season and it appears with a new face, which causes the immune system to treat it as a different virus, even though it is from the same family.
She stressed the necessity of obtaining the influenza vaccine annually, explaining that it does not completely prevent infection, but it reduces the severity of symptoms and complications of the disease, stressing that the best time for vaccination is the month of October in preparation for the cold season. She also warned against underestimating influenza symptoms, pointing out that in some cases they may develop into chest infections or serious respiratory complications for groups most at risk of infection.
