Health ministry outlines four steps to prevent respiratory infections

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health on Thursday outlined four steps to help prevent respiratory infections.

In a post on X, the ministry advised that prevention measures include washing hands regularly, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, avoiding contact with others when ill, and wearing a mask if infected or in crowded places. The ministry also encouraged booking medical appointments through the Sehaty app.

The ministry added that not every respiratory infection is caused by a new virus. Respiratory infections affect the respiratory system and are most commonly caused by viruses such as seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While anyone can be affected, certain groups are more vulnerable to complications.