The Ministry of Health and Population issued a statement clarifying that influenza symptoms typically appear two days after exposure to an infected person, with severity varying according to each individual’s health condition.
Symptoms include high fever, often dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, severe fatigue, sore throat, and runny nose. The presence of multiple symptoms together is a clear indicator of seasonal influenza.
The ministry noted that the cough may persist for two weeks or more in some cases and stressed the importance of consulting a doctor if symptoms continue or worsen, particularly among high-risk groups such as the elderly, patients with chronic respiratory diseases, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The Ministry continues its awareness campaigns during winter, urging citizens to adhere to preventive measures and seek immediate medical attention if any unusual symptoms appear.
Health Minister Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the need to develop the healthcare system to tackle chronic respiratory diseases and recurring global pandemics. He highlighted the risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, stressing efforts to reduce smoking, improve air quality, and expand respiratory rehabilitation programs to enhance patients’ quality of life.
