As the region transitions from summer into autumn, medical professionals are alerting the public to an increased risk of respiratory infections and urging preventative measures to mitigate the spread of illness. Health experts emphasize that children, older adults, and individuals with asthma, allergies, or chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable during this period.
Doctors attribute the heightened risk primarily to behavioral and environmental factors associated with the seasonal shift rather than the temperature changes themselves. The resumption of schools, more frequent social interactions, and extended periods spent indoors in enclosed spaces create conditions that facilitate the transmission of respiratory viruses.
Common respiratory illnesses during autumn include colds, influenza, sore throats, coughing, runny noses, and nasal congestion. While these are typically mild, medical professionals underscore the importance of vigilance, especially in children, who often experience increased exposure through classrooms, school transport, and extracurricular activities.
Dr. Khalid al-Yafei, a paediatric emergency consultant, emphasized the need for instilling healthy habits in children, such as regular handwashing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding sharing personal items like water bottles. He also advised parents to keep children home when they exhibit clear symptoms of illness to prevent outbreaks among peers. According to Dr. al-Yafei, medical attention should be sought if a child displays signs such as difficulty breathing, extreme lethargy, refusal to eat or drink, decreased urination, persistent high fever, or a marked decline in overall condition.
General practitioner Dr. Omar Habib explained that while temperature shifts themselves do not trigger viral infections, increased time spent indoors, poor ventilation, and closer contact among individuals increase transmission risks. Symptoms often begin with sneezing, nasal congestion, and sore throat, potentially progressing to coughing, fever, and fatigue. He recommended rest, adequate hydration, and symptom monitoring for mild cases, with prompt medical consultation advised if symptoms worsen or persist. Dr. Habib also stressed the importance of cleaning frequently touched surfaces and avoiding sharing cups or personal items.
Respiratory medicine consultant Dr. Ismail Mubarak highlighted additional challenges for people with asthma, allergies, and chronic respiratory diseases during seasonal transitions. He noted that fluctuating temperatures, dust, and shifts between outdoor heat and air-conditioned indoor environments can aggravate respiratory symptoms. Dr. Mubarak advised maintaining moderate air-conditioning settings, minimizing direct exposure to cold air during sleep, and regularly cleaning air-conditioner filters. He cautioned against confusing allergies—which typically manifest as frequent sneezing, itchy eyes or nose, and runny nose—with viral infections, which more commonly present with fever, sore throat, fatigue, and body aches. Additionally, he warned against the unnecessary use of antibiotics, pointing out that they are ineffective against viral illnesses and should only be used when prescribed following medical evaluation.
Family physician Dr. Mahmoud al-Darini reinforced the call for consistent healthy practices, including thorough handwashing, avoiding face-touching with unwashed hands, respiratory hygiene, and ensuring good ventilation in homes, workplaces, and schools. He emphasized the importance of adequate sleep, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein, and regular fluid intake. Dr. al-Darini also encouraged older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses to adhere to their prescribed treatments and to seek medical advice if they experience unusual or persistent symptoms.
Collectively, these medical professionals advise that vigilance and adherence to hygiene and health guidelines can help reduce the incidence and severity of respiratory infections as the autumn season progresses.