An infectious disease specialist issued a warning. She emphasized that sudden fever and severe body aches are primary indicators of flu symptoms, not air pollution.

According to Jaddeh Makhsoos Information Base, Minoo Mohraz, an infectious disease specialist and faculty member at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, spoke with a Mehr reporter. She discussed the simultaneous spread of influenza and increased air pollution. Mohraz stated, “We currently observe a newer type of influenza circulating globally. A fresh strain usually emerges every ten years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic slightly delayed this process.”

Mohraz stressed that air pollution alone does not cause influenza. Yet, it can worsen conditions for contracting respiratory diseases. Air pollution creates significant problems for patients with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. It also reduces the respiratory system’s defensive power. Therefore, when the influenza virus circulates, air pollution can increase symptom severity.

Mohraz also explained the rise in infections among children and students. Children in schools experience more close contact. They also find mask usage difficult. For these reasons, this group shows a higher rate of involvement.

Jaddeh Makhsoos reports, she discussed distinguishing between simple sore throats from pollution and influenza. Symptoms like sudden fever, severe body aches, lethargy, and dry coughs typically indicate flu symptoms. In contrast, throat irritation and mild coughs can result from air pollution. However, visiting a doctor remains the best diagnostic method.

The infectious disease specialist advised people to get the influenza vaccine. She noted, “It is still not too late to get vaccinated. The vaccine does not provide 100% prevention, but it can reduce disease severity and the risk of complications. The virus circulation season usually continues until around May.” She stressed that recognizing flu symptoms early and vaccination are key.