Dr. Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din, Presidential Advisor for Health and Preventive Affairs, stated that the new coronavirus variant “Nimbus” is witnessing an increase in infection rates in some countries worldwide. However, there are no indications of an epidemic nature, a sharp rise in cases, or severe cases requiring hospitalization or leading to death.

He added in a televised statement on Al-Shams TV that mutation is not exclusive to the coronavirus, noting it is a natural characteristic of all viruses, including seasonal influenza viruses, which mutate to resist and continue to survive.

He confirmed that health authorities are in a state of “caution, monitoring, observation, and precaution,” emphasizing that any change beyond the usual scope is dealt with with “high alertness.”

He pointed out the spread of respiratory viruses at this time of year, coinciding with the return of schools and universities, climatic changes, and sudden shifts between hot and cold weather.

He explained that respiratory virus symptoms are largely similar and include runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough, which may be accompanied by sinusitis or fever. He warned patients with chronic chest diseases that these symptoms may lead to complications such as coughing and phlegm, among others.

He stressed that “prevention is the most important point,” advising citizens to avoid sudden transitions from warm to cold environments, avoid exposure to strong air currents, and keep away from people with colds to limit the spread of infection.

The Ministry of Health called for caution regarding respiratory viruses such as coronavirus and influenza with the arrival of winter, especially since their variants are many.

It confirmed that the “Nimbus” variant spreads the virus in the usual way, from person to person, mainly through droplets produced by coughing or close talking.