Health Advisor: No cause for concern as respiratory virus levels remain within normal range

CAIRO - 8 December 2025: Dr. Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din, Advisor to the President for Health and Prevention Affairs, has confirmed that rates of respiratory virus infections in Egypt remain within the normal range expected for this time of year.

He noted that 65 percent of recorded cases are seasonal influenza (Type A), which continues to be the most common and severe of the circulating respiratory viruses.

In a phone interview on the “Studio Extra” program on Extra News, Dr. Tag El-Din stated that the current epidemiological situation is stable and not a cause for concern. He added that other respiratory viruses—such as influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronavirus—are also present but at lower levels.

The Importance of Vaccination for High-Risk Groups

Dr. Tag El-Din stressed the importance of receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine, particularly for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, individuals with chronic conditions (such as heart and lung diseases, cancer, or immune disorders), and healthcare workers.

He emphasized that the vaccine is updated annually to keep pace with viral mutations and plays a significant role in reducing disease severity and complications.

Prevention as the First Line of Defense

Dr. Tag El-Din concluded by highlighting that vaccination alone is not sufficient. It must be paired with continued adherence to preventive and precautionary measures, which he described as the first and most essential line of defense in limiting the spread of infection and protecting the community from respiratory viruses.