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Doctors have warned of an increased risk of respiratory infections as summer gives way to autumn, urging the public to adopt preventative measures, particularly to protect children, older adults and people with asthma, allergies and chronic illnesses.They told reporters that the return to school, increased social interaction and prolonged stays in enclosed spaces can facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses.Although seasonal changes do not directly cause infections, fluctuating temperatures, poor ventilation and close contact can increase exposure to viruses and aggravate existing respiratory conditions.Common illnesses during this period include colds, influenza, sore throats, coughing, runny noses and nasal congestion.Doctors recommended regular handwashing, adequate ventilation, sufficient sleep, balanced nutrition and proper hydration to reduce infection risks.Dr Khalid al-Yafei, a paediatric emergency consultant, said that children require particular attention during autumn because interaction in classrooms, school buses and extracurricular activities increases their exposure to viral infections.He emphasised the importance of teaching children healthy habits, including washing their hands regularly, covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding sharing water bottles and personal belongings.Parents should also keep children at home when they show clear signs of illness to prevent infections from spreading to classmates.While most respiratory infections in children are mild, Dr al-Yafei advised seeking medical attention if a child experiences difficulty or rapid breathing, extreme lethargy, refusal to eat or drink, reduced urination, persistent high fever or a significant deterioration in general condition.He also highlighted the importance of regular sleep schedules, balanced meals, adequate fluid intake and appropriate physical activity in maintaining children's health.General practitioner Dr Omar Habib said the seasonal transition often coincides with conditions that encourage the transmission of respiratory infections, particularly in schools, workplaces and other enclosed environments.**media[502299]**He said that temperature changes themselves do not cause viral illnesses.Rather, he said, spending more time indoors, inadequate ventilation and close contact increase the likelihood of transmission.Symptoms may begin with sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion or a sore throat before developing into coughing, fever and fatigue.Most mild cases can be managed with rest, adequate fluids and symptom monitoring, but medical advice should be sought if symptoms persist or worsen.Dr Habib also recommended cleaning frequently touched surfaces, washing hands after returning from public places and before eating, and avoiding sharing cups and other personal items.He added that persistent fever, breathing difficulties, chest pain, severe dehydration or a marked deterioration in health warrant prompt medical assessment, particularly among older adults and people with chronic conditions.Dr Ismail Mubarak, a consultant in respiratory medicine, said people with asthma, allergies and chronic respiratory diseases may be particularly vulnerable during the transition from summer to autumn.Temperature fluctuations, dust and other irritants, as well as frequent movement between hot outdoor environments and heavily air-conditioned spaces, can aggravate respiratory symptoms.He advised maintaining moderate air-conditioning temperatures, avoiding direct exposure to cold air, particularly during sleep, and cleaning air-conditioner filters regularly.Dr Mubarak also cautioned against confusing allergies with viral infections.Frequent sneezing, itchy eyes or nose, and a runny nose may indicate allergies, while fever, sore throat, fatigue and body aches are more commonly associated with viral infections.He warned against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics for colds and influenza, stressing that antibiotics do not treat viruses and should only be used when prescribed following medical assessment.Family physician Dr Mahmoud al-Darini urged the public to maintain healthy daily habits, including thorough handwashing, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, practising respiratory hygiene and ensuring proper ventilation in homes, offices and classrooms.He also stressed the importance of adequate sleep, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and protein, and regular water intake.Dr al-Darini urged older adults and people with chronic illnesses to adhere to prescribed treatments and seek medical advice if they develop unusual or persistent symptoms. 

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has recently organised a training workshop for around 90 health service providers from the Primary Health Care Corporation working in government schools, to strengthen their readiness to manage asthma cases within the school environment and equip them with the skills required to apply internationally recognised best health practices.MOPH's Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programmes Department Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Hamad Al-Thani stressed the importance of the Asthma-Friendly Schools Programme in enhancing student health and ensuring a safe educational environment for students with asthma.He pointed out that the integration of efforts between the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Primary Health Care Corporation and Hamad Medical Corporation constitutes a foundation for strengthening the quality of healthcare services provided in schools.He noted that MOPH has achieved, over recent years, remarkable national accomplishments in raising awareness of asthma through large-scale activities organised on World Asthma Day, including media campaigns targeting the public, awareness workshops for the school community, and training programmes for school health staff.These efforts contribute to promoting an accurate understanding of asthma, enabling students, their families and teachers to manage the condition safely and effectively, and reducing asthma attacks within the school environment, positively reflecting on students’ health and academic progress.The Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programmes Department also praised the major role of the Primary Health Care Corporation in implementing the Asthma-Friendly Schools Programme by providing school health staff, offering continuous training, following up students with asthma, and connecting them to essential health services.Hamad Medical Corporation also participates in the programme through its clinical expertise and advanced specialities by developing the national guidelines for asthma management, providing specialised technical training to healthcare personnel, supporting rapid intervention mechanisms for emergency cases, and enhancing the preparedness of the health system to deal with asthma complications.In her remarks during the workshop, Supervisor of the Asthma-Friendly Schools Programme, Dr. Maya Al Shaiba stated that implementing the programme across all government schools reflects Qatar’s commitment to providing a supportive and safe school environment for students with asthma. She also praised the efforts of school health staff and their significant role in improving the quality of services provided to students.The "Asthma-Friendly Schools" Programme is one of the national initiatives aimed at reducing absenteeism among students with asthma, strengthening health preparedness within schools, supporting students in managing their health condition, raising health awareness among students and their families, and reinforcing the partnership between families, schools, and the health sector. 

A joint scientific study conducted by researchers at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, in collaboration with Imperial College London, the University of Otago, Starship Children's Hospital, and the University of Auckland, has revealed a new treatment for childhood asthma. The study, conducted using a dual anti-inflammatory inhaler that combines two medications, significantly reduces asthma attacks in children compared to the current standard medication, without any additional side effects. 360 children from across New Zealand were randomly assigned to use either the dual inhaler or salbutamol when needed to relieve asthma symptoms. The study lasted for a full year, and found that the dual inhaler did not cause any differences in children's growth, lung function, or asthma control compared to the standard medication, confirming its safety. Results also showed that the inhaler combining an inhaled corticosteroid (budesonide) and a rapid-acting bronchodilator (formoterol) reduced asthma attacks by 45% compared to salbutamol, currently used as a first-line treatment. Furthermore, the attack rate in children who used the combined device was 0.23 attacks per year per participant, compared to 0.41 attacks in the salbutamol group. This means that for every 100 children with mild asthma, the number of asthma attacks could be reduced by 18 per year. Dr Lee Hatter, lead author of the study, said that this study is an important step in bridging the knowledge gap between asthma treatment methods in adults and children. It has been demonstrated, for the first time, that the combined device significantly reduces asthma attacks in children with mild asthma, which could improve asthma treatment outcomes globally. The study's findings conclude that asthma is a serious chronic disease in children that can be life-threatening. Therefore, reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks is a vital medical goal. This study provides strong evidence for updating pediatric asthma treatment guidelines globally, in line with adult guidelines. This could benefit millions of children worldwide with mild and moderate asthma.