With the advent of winter, there is an obvious increase in respiratory illnesses in Egypt, with seasonal influenza the most prevalent. However, news of the breakout of new variants of Covid-19 and the emergence of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China and India has raised fears that a new Covid-19-like pandemic might be spreading.

The Ministry of Health and Population has stressed that no cases of HMPV have been reported in Egypt, noting that HMPV was discovered 24 years ago and its rate of proliferation is moderate compared to other respiratory viruses.

Hossam Hosni, head of the Scientific Committee for Covid-19 at the Ministry of Health and Population, noted that “symptoms of HMPV resemble those of a common cold, such as a runny nose, cough and sore throat. However, the symptoms could be more severe in certain groups, such as children and the elderly,” Hosni said.

Regarding the virus’ transmission, Hosni said it spreads like other respiratory viruses, through droplets or direct contact, with the spread notably increasing during winter. “The most vulnerable groups include children under the age of five, the elderly with weakened immune systems, and individuals suffering from chronic diseases that affect their immunity,” Hosni stated, adding that the infection is typically mild and lasts between one to three weeks, although more severe cases may require medical attention.

He stressed the importance of prevention through frequent washing of hands and wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places. He also highlighted the importance of vaccinations to protect against respiratory influenza viruses during winter.

The current wave of widespread colds, according to Hosni, is typical for this time of year due to the spread of various viruses such as adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and the original variant of Covid-19. “The influenza virus currently spreading in the country is not a sub-variant of Covid-19,” confirmed Hosni, while maintaining that globally a new variant of Covid-19 is announced every few months.

“The current global variant which started spreading worldwide in June 2023 did not appear in Egypt until now,” confirmed Hosni.

He said Covid-19 has not disappeared, is present worldwide but is mutating. These mutations occur every few months which, he added, was normal.

“The epidemiological situation of Covid-19 and influenza is stable; there is no need for concern. The emergence of new Covid0-19 variants is not something new, but rather a natural feature of the virus’ evolution since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Hosni.

Regarding the virus’ severity, he explained that Covid-19 is no longer as deadly as in the early waves of the pandemic. He said it had become much weaker and less dangerous due to its many mutations. He noted that the virus now primarily affects the upper respiratory system. As for symptoms, they include a runny nose, nasal congestion, colds, headaches and mild fever. Severe respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, have not disappeared entirely but have become very rare. “Covid-19 is now managed like the common cold, especially since it no longer poses a serious threat. There is no special treatment protocol for it, except for a specific group of people, such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases,” Hosni said.

Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, the spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Population, said complications from colds and influenza remain serious for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, emphasising that these groups need special treatment protocols and medical consultations.

“All symptoms are similar, making it difficult to distinguish between whether it’s influenza or Covid-19. It is not necessary to distinguish between them, as the treatment protocol is the same: complete rest, hydration and fever reducers for no less than five days and no more than seven days,” Abdel-Ghaffar said.

Abdel-Ghaffar pointed out that prevention starts with vaccinations against seasonal influenza, one of the most important ways to reduce the likelihood of complications, especially for those at higher risk. It is also essential to properly ventilate homes so as to reduce the concentration of viruses in the air.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 9 January, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly