As winter sets in and temperatures drop, seasonal illnesses are drawing increased concern due to favorable conditions for viral transmission.
Doctors speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) stressed the importance of public awareness regarding vaccines and preventive measures, noting that adherence to healthy practices remains the first line of defense against seasonal diseases.
اضافة اعلان
Dr. Ayman Al-Muqabaleh, Director of the Epidemiology Department at the Ministry of Health, stated that the dominant virus circulating in Jordan is currently Influenza A (H3N2). He noted a likely rise in cases, adding that no respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections have been detected and only one COVID-19 case per week has been recorded over the last two weeks.
He explained that respiratory viruses share very similar symptoms, making laboratory testing essential for accurate diagnosis, and emphasized that symptom severity varies according to an individual’s immunity.
Al-Muqabaleh offered several preventive recommendations, including taking the annual flu vaccine—preferably in October though it remains beneficial year-round—regularly washing hands with warm water for 40 seconds, ensuring good ventilation in closed spaces, and wearing masks in healthcare settings and crowded places when needed.
For those infected, he advised home isolation, avoiding contact with others, limiting interaction with family members, not sharing personal items, and visiting a health center for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
He also outlined the ministry’s preparedness measures for winter, which include securing vaccines and medicines, strengthening and training medical staff, coordinating with relevant agencies such as the National Center for Security and Crisis Management and the National Center for Epidemics Control, launching awareness campaigns, and implementing unified treatment protocols across both the public and private sectors.
Dr. Mohammad Al-Tarawneh, Secretary-General of the Arab Association of Chest Physicians, noted that global studies indicate climate change has contributed to the emergence of respiratory viruses in new regions and increased the likelihood of simultaneous outbreaks. He underscored the importance of influenza vaccination, particularly for healthcare workers and people over 65.
He also emphasized raising awareness in schools and universities about proper coughing etiquette, handwashing, and ventilation to protect high-risk groups, noting that such simple measures significantly impact the epidemiological situation.
Al-Tarawneh added that health security is just as important as food and medicine security, reassuring that the current situation does not warrant alarm: about 90% of respiratory viruses affect the upper respiratory tract, while around 10% of cases may require medical attention due to complications.
He highlighted warning signs that demand immediate medical evaluation, such as chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, persistent high fever unresponsive to medication, confusion, and bluish discoloration of the lips or extremities. He also warned against using antibiotics without a prescription to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Dr. Basma Al-Qudah, a dental specialist at Al-Bashir Hospital, discussed the impact of winter on oral health, saying cold weather can increase tooth sensitivity—especially when breathing through the mouth—due to exposed dentin or gum recession. Cold air can also worsen gum inflammation, causing swelling and bleeding, in addition to cracked lips caused by low temperatures.
She noted that weakened immunity in winter increases the likelihood of oral thrush, which appears as painful ulcers that may take one to two weeks to heal, and can also trigger dormant viruses responsible for “cold sores.”
Her recommendations included nasal breathing to reduce cold air exposure to teeth and gums, regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, maintaining hydration, using lip moisturizers, and avoiding lip-licking. She also encouraged boosting immunity through reduced sugar intake and consuming foods rich in vitamins C and D.
Nutrition expert Ibrahim Al-Zuq stressed that a healthy diet in winter strengthens immunity and reduces the risk of seasonal illnesses. He highlighted the importance of foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals—citrus fruits for vitamin C, carrots and sweet potatoes for vitamin A, honey for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, antioxidant-rich fruits like pomegranate and berries, and immune-boosting garlic and onions.
He added that warm soups help maintain energy and hydration, while foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and nuts, enhance immunity. Fermented dairy products like yogurt support beneficial gut bacteria.
Al-Zuq concluded that combining balanced nutrition with adequate sleep and physical activity offers the best protection against winter illnesses and supports overall health.
