In light of an increase in cases of seasonal influenza in the country, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a new alert.

According to Muhammad Al-Abdel Ali, spokesman for the ministry, influenza cases have increased this year.

According to him, the spread is stronger than the cases reported in the past two years, and many people are in intensive care units.

According to Dr. Abdel Ali, the seasonal influenza vaccine protects 80 percent of people with severe symptoms.

“The most important way to confront the activity of the influenza virus is to take the influenza vaccine, apart from wearing a mask.”

Direct rain and cold waves should not be exposed to the public, he warned.

It is noteworthy that the MoH had recently launched an awareness campaign to vaccinate against seasonal influenza under the slogan “The moment you wish for.”

People with chronic diseases, people with immunodeficiency, and pregnant women, as well as health sector workers and the general public, are targeted by the campaign.

A vaccine is safe and has no side effects, and it has been proven effective in all countries for many years.

Seasonal influenza causes many complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, blood poisoning, and death, according to the ministry.

Seasonal influenza symptoms include shivering, sweating, fever over 38 degrees Celsius, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, persistent cough, dehydration, and a runny nose.

Influenza can be prevented by taking the vaccine, avoiding crowded places, washing hands properly, avoiding direct eye and mouth contact, using tissues when coughing or sneezing, and maintaining a clean environment.

In this campaign, the ministry aims to increase vaccination rates, reduce the number of infected people, and reduce hospitalizations.

Citizens and expatriates were urged to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.

They need to book through the ministry's Sehhaty application for the seasonal influenza vaccine service, the ministry said, pointing out that vaccination prevents infection by 70 to 90 percent.

Moreover, these awareness activities are part of the ministry's efforts to enhance health awareness, promote sound behavior, and preserve the health and safety of all members of society.