Tarawneh: The overlap of influenza and circulatory diseases exacerbates the viral wave, and the Ministry of Education confirms that the situation in schools is normal and there is no need for exceptional measures.

Dr. Mohammed Hassan Al-Tarawneh, a consultant in chest diseases and Secretary-General of the Arab Chest Physicians Association, warned of the escalating activity of influenza viruses and other respiratory viruses globally, with an increasing overlap between influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which increases the pressure on emergency departments and hospitals in several countries.

At the same time, the Minister of Education, Dr. Azmi Mahafza, confirmed that infections in schools are within the normal annual rate and do not warrant any exceptional measures, and that any additional precautionary steps such as closing classes or bringing forward exams are unnecessary in the current circumstances.

Influenza viruses continue to dominate globally

Tarawneh explained that type (A) influenza viruses are dominant globally, with the percentage of positivity exceeding 30% in West and East African countries, Northern Europe and some Asian regions.
As for the strains, A(H1N1)pdm09 is dominant in North and Central Africa and the Caribbean, while A(H3N2) is prevalent in other active regions.

The biggest challenge: the interaction between viruses

Despite the relative stability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, there are hotspots of concern with high positivity rates exceeding 10% in Northern Europe and South America, and reaching more than 30% in Southwestern Europe.

RSV activity remains high among infants and the elderly, with concurrent overlap with influenza reported in several countries, increasing pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.

The situation in schools is under control

For his part, Minister of Education Dr. Azmi Mahafza confirmed that the current period is a normal flu season, and that infections in schools are within the expected annual rates.

He stressed the need for sick students to stay at home and follow basic preventive measures, such as handwashing, social distancing, and adherence to respiratory etiquette.

A message for prevention and community protection

Tarawneh concluded his speech by addressing a direct message to the public:
"Prevention is everyone's responsibility, and the most vulnerable groups should receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Adherence to personal hygiene and preventive measures is the first line of defense to protect ourselves and the community from any potential outbreak."