Internal disease and infectious disease consultant Dr. Ali Al-Shehri, confirmed that the immune gap is one reason for the strength of the current seasonal flu.
Al-Shehri explained toNews 24The reason for this is that people have not been exposed during the Corona pandemic to mutated viruses, and therefore their bodies have not recognized the virus, especially in light of the lack of great demand for the flu vaccine, underlining the need to get it. , for its contribution to the prevention of infection and its transmission to others.
He added that influenza is a viral disease that exists throughout the year and is active in the Kingdom during October and ends in March, indicating that in the past two years, seasonal influenza has progressed in appearance and delayed the disappearance, which made it appear this year in September and could be delayed and end in April or May.
Al-Shehri stressed the difficulty of distinguishing between influenza and corona without a laboratory examination, pointing out the occurrence of many known complications, including inflammation of the respiratory system, sore throat and red eyes, and can develop and lead to inflammation of the middle ear and sinusitis and reach the inflammation of the lungs, and can cause meningitis in the brain or inflammation, heart or death.
He advised people infected with the flu to apply precautionary and preventive measures, avoid entering crowded places, wear a mask, do not leave the house unless necessary, and stay away from people most vulnerable to complications, especially children under 5 years of age, pregnant women and the elderly with chronic illnesses.
