A pulmonologist sounds the alarm: The viral peak has not yet arrived!

Global epidemiological surveillance data has revealed an unusual spread of respiratory viruses this season. Dr. Mohammed Hassan Tarawneh, a consultant in pulmonary diseases, sounded the alarm, warning that the current wave arrived three to four weeks earlier than in previous seasons. Dr. Tarawneh confirmed that the world is witnessing an increase in the number of cases, with the peak expected to arrive later.

Dr. Tarawneh pointed out that the rapid spread of viruses, especially influenza, is not merely a local phenomenon, but has been documented by European epidemiological centers. He added that monitoring data shows an increase in the detection of cases earlier than usual in recent seasons. He stated:
"The early outbreak means we are in the thick of the wave before we are fully prepared. The viruses have started their strong activity before the peak of winter, and this unusual timing suggests that the season may be more severe and have a greater impact on the capacity of health systems."

The new strain is behind the spread

Dr. Tarawneh explained the reason for this early spread by two main factors:

• The new strain A(H3N2) subclade K: This is the strain that is currently leading this spread, and it was not dominant in previous seasons, which means that a large part of the population has low immunity against it, which makes it easier for it to spread more quickly.
• Social mixing and decreased adherence to preventive measures: The full return to social mixing and the immunity gap resulting from years of precautionary measures, especially among children between 5 and 14 years old, contributed to providing the ideal environment for the spread of the new strain.

Dr. Tarawneh added: "With a new active strain, a near-complete absence of mask-wearing, and a decrease in some people's willingness to get vaccinated, we are witnessing an inevitable increase in the infection curve today."

Warning of the upcoming peak

Dr. Tarawneh emphasized that the current surge in cases does not represent the end of the wave, and that the coming weeks, with the drop in temperatures, will determine the severity of the season. He said:
"Based on the early epidemiological timeline, the peak has not yet arrived. The message to everyone: the need to raise awareness to reduce the spread of infection, and to rush to receive the seasonal flu vaccine, which still provides great protection against severe symptoms and hospitalization, even if the strain has changed somewhat."

He called for adherence to simple but effective preventive measures, such as wearing masks in enclosed and crowded places, and washing hands regularly, to reduce the expected pressure on hospitals, stressing the need for the Ministry of Health to take continuous precautionary measures in accordance with global and regional epidemiological updates.