Health

Seasonal Respiratory Tract Infections Prevention & Risk stratification

Winter poses a recurrent challenge for healthcare systems worldwide because of seasonal surges in respiratory tract infections (RTIs). These infections disproportionately affect “vulnerable” subpopulations — namely the elderly, infants and children, pregnant women, immunocompromised persons, and those with chronic comorbidities.

In intensive care practice — including in a cosmopolitan city such as Dubai with a diverse population — the burden of severe RTIs becomes evident each winter. Pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and multi-organ complications frequently present in high-risk patients admitted to ICUs. Preventive strategies, both at individual and public health level, are therefore of paramount importance.

This article synthesizes recent updates in medical literature (2024–2025) on prevention of RTIs, explores practical challenges from ICU experience, and advocates for strengthened measures to protect high-risk groups, especially during winter.

Why high-risk groups deserve special attention

A 2025 cross-disciplinary position paper from the United Arab Emirates specifically highlights that respiratory infections remain a major cause of mortality among young children and adults — particularly the elderly or those with underlying conditions — despite available vaccines and antiviral treatments.

According to guidelines from global health authorities, high-risk subpopulations are defined to include: children (especially infants), older adults, pregnant or postpartum women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic diseases (e.g., cardiopulmonary, metabolic, renal).

For pregnant women, the stakes are even higher: a recent systematic review of human cases of avian influenza (A[H5]) during pregnancy reported maternal mortality as high as 90 %, and perinatal mortality (stillbirth/neonatal death) ~86.7 % among reported cases — underlining the extreme vulnerability of this population in the face of novel or zoonotic influenza viruses.

Moreover, infants and young children (<5 years) remain highly susceptible to viral lower RTIs: for example, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) induces a considerable global burden, with millions of hospitalizations and a high death toll in low- and middle-income countries.

Therefore, preventive measures must be prioritized — especially among these high-risk groups — to reduce both direct morbidity/mortality and downstream burdens on intensive care resources

High-Risk Groups for Severe Respiratory Tract Infections

Group	Reasons for Increased Risk	Clinical Impact
Pregnant women	Immunological shifts, reduced lung capacity	Severe pneumonia, preterm birth, fetal compromise
Infants & young children	Immature immune system	RSV bronchiolitis, viral pneumonia
Elderly	Immunosenescence, comorbidities	High hospitalization & mortality rates
Immunocompromised	Reduced viral clearance	Prolonged infections, severe disease
Chronic disease patients	Reduced physiological reserve	Exacerbations of COPD, asthma, CHF

Preventive strategies: vaccines and non-pharmaceutical interventions

Vaccination: cornerstone of prevention

Recent literature underscores the critical role of vaccination against major respiratory viruses. A narrative review published December 2024 demonstrated that immunization against SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV significantly reduces severe disease, hospitalizations, and mortality among vulnerable individuals — including older adults and those with frailty or comorbidities.

For pregnant women, the guidance recently updated by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasizes that COVID-19 vaccination (including booster doses) is safe during pregnancy, and beneficial both for the mother and the newborn. Vaccination reduces maternal complications, preterm birth, stillbirth, and provides passive immunity to infants during early life.

Moreover, maternal immunization has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality from respiratory viral infections. A 2025 review from India found that maternal immunization (e.g., influenza) substantially lowered deaths and severe outcomes in newborns — a critical consideration for countries with diverse perinatal populations.

In addition to influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, emerging preventive options for RSV are gaining traction; current evidence supports passive immunization in early infancy (e.g., monoclonal antibodies), and active immunization strategies are under development.

Finally, there may be indirect benefits from vaccines targeting bacterial pathogens: a systematic review showed that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) may reduce the incidence of viral RTIs by disrupting viral-bacterial interactions in the respiratory tract.

Given this, comprehensive immunization strategies — integrating influenza, COVID-19, RSV (as vaccines/antibodies become available), and pneumococcus — should form a central pillar of prevention, especially for high-risk individuals.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions and healthcare practices

Vaccination alone is not sufficient. According to guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe region, standard measures remain vital: staying home when ill, rigorous hand hygiene, cough etiquette, ensuring adequate indoor ventilation, and, in high-risk settings or crowded indoor spaces, mask-wearing and physical distancing when appropriate.

In healthcare settings — especially ICUs or wards managing severe RTIs — timely identification and triage, isolation or cohorting of suspected cases, use of droplet/contact (and when indicated, airborne) precautions during aerosol-generating procedures, and rapid initiation of antivirals (e.g., for influenza) are essential.

Also, the 2025 UAE position paper called for improved communication between healthcare professionals and patients to close gaps in vaccine uptake and adherence to prevention guidelines.

Call for reinforced preventive strategy in Dubai and similar contexts

Based on the convergence of recent evidence and practical ICU experience, I propose the following prioritized actions:

Promote vaccination aggressively, especially for high-risk groups (elderly, pregnant women, children, chronic disease, immunosuppressed) — including seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines; and, as they become available or recommended, RSV and pneumococcal vaccines/antibodies.
Public health education: Raise awareness among patients and communities about the risks of RTIs, benefits of vaccination, and importance of early presentation in case of symptoms.
Hospital and community infection control: Reinforce NPIs — hand hygiene, cough etiquette, staying home if symptomatic, mask use in crowded indoor spaces or high-transmission periods; improve ventilation in households, workplaces, and public spaces.
Health-system readiness: Hospitals and ICUs should prepare protocols for timely triage, isolation/cohorting, and early antiviral therapy; public health authorities should monitor viral circulation and communicate risks effectively.
Perinatal care integration: Obstetricians, midwives, primary care providers should integrate respiratory virus vaccination (influenza, COVID-19) into routine antenatal and postnatal care, to protect both mothers and newborns.

Key Preventive Measures for Winter RTI Prevention

Level	Measure	Evidence & Impact
Individual	Annual influenza vaccine	Reduces severe disease & ICU admissions
	COVID-19 vaccine/booster	Reduces hospitalization & maternal-fetal risks
	Maternal vaccines (influenza, COVID-19, RSV)	Protects mothers + newborns
Household	Staying home when ill	WHO recommends as first-line prevention
	Good ventilation & hygiene	Reduces viral concentration indoors
	Masking when symptomatic	Particularly important for protecting infants
Healthcare system	Early testing & antiviral use	Reduces complications if started early
	Isolation/cohorting	Limits nosocomial transmission
	Public health communication	Enhances vaccine uptake (UAE 2025 position paper)
Community	Surveillance & seasonal alerts	Supports early preparedness

Why winter prevention matters — broader implications

Failure to implement preventive measures results not only in increased morbidity and mortality among vulnerable individuals, but also in broader health system strain. When ICUs are saturated with severe pneumonia cases, other critical care needs (e.g., trauma, surgery, non-respiratory emergencies) may be compromised.

Moreover, viral RTIs in high-risk populations — especially infants and the elderly — can lead to long-term sequelae (e.g., chronic lung disease, developmental issues in children, exacerbation of comorbidities in older adults). Preventive measures, therefore, contribute to healthier ageing and reduced long-term healthcare burden.

Finally, prevention — especially through vaccination — has societal and economic value: reduced hospitalizations, fewer workdays lost, lower risk of outbreaks in communities, and preservation of healthcare resources.

Conclusion

Seasonal surges in respiratory tract infections during winter remain a formidable challenge — particularly for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Recent evidence (2024–2025) reaffirms that vaccination (influenza, COVID-19, and eventually RSV) combined with non-pharmaceutical measures are the most effective way to protect these vulnerable populations.

A coordinated approach — integrating public health outreach, perinatal care, community education, and healthcare system preparedness — is essential.

In the coming seasons, given the ever-present threat of viral evolution (including influenza and zoonotic viruses), robust prevention strategies are not optional — they are lifesaving.

Dr. Mahmoud Medhat Aboumousa

Critical Care Specialist

International Modern Hospital Dubai

Health

Cervical Cancer: Why Vaccination and Screening Can Save Lives

Cervical cancer is a malignant disease that develops in the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix begin to grow uncontrollably. Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer develops slowly, often over many years, progressing from precancerous cellular changes to invasive disease. This long development period makes cervical cancer one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when appropriate screening and preventive measures are in place.

Globally, cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern. It is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide,after breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Each year, hundreds of thousands of new cases are diagnosed, and the disease causes a substantial number of cancer-related deaths. The global burden is disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries, where limited access to healthcare services, screening programs, and vaccination contributes to late diagnosis and poor outcomes.

The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is a DNA virus which is spread by skin to skin contact. There are over 100 subtypes, most of which do not cause significant disease in humans. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to HPV, with the majority of diagnoses being linked to HPV types 16 and 18 – to name a few . While most HPV infections resolve on their own without causing harm, long term infection with high risk strains can lead to abnormal cellular changes in the cervix that may progress to cancer if left untreated.

Several factors increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. These include smoking, which weakens the immune system’s ability to clear HPV infections; a weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV; long-term use of oral contraceptives; early onset of sexual activity; multiple pregnancies; and limited access to regular screening. Socioeconomic factors and lack of awareness also play a role in delayed diagnosis.

In its early stages, cervical cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is crucial. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, or after menopause), unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse. These symptoms are not exclusive to cervical cancer but should always prompt medical evaluation.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable through a combination of HPV vaccination and regular screening. The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, typically between the ages of 9 and 14. Usually only 2 doses of the vaccine are required at this age, but if over the age of 15, 3 doses are needed. It provides strong protection against the HPV types most likely to cause cervical cancer. Many countries have incorporated the vaccine into their national immunisation programs as a key cancer prevention strategy.

Screening methods such as the Pap smear and HPV testing can detect precancerous changes long before cancer develops. Regular screening allows healthcare providers to treat abnormal cells early, preventing progression to invasive cancer. When cervical cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment success rates are very high. Regular cervical screening decreases the risk of death from cervical cancer by 75%.

Compared to global figures, the incidence of cervical cancer in the United Arab Emirates is relatively low, reflecting the country’s strong healthcare infrastructure and growing emphasis on preventive medicine. However, cervical cancer remains a notable health issue. It is among the top five most common cancers affecting women in the UAE.

Despite the availability of advanced healthcare services, studies and health reports indicate that screening uptake among women in the UAE remains suboptimal. Cultural factors, lack of awareness, fear, and misconceptions about screening procedures can discourage women from undergoing routine Pap smears. As a result, some cases are diagnosed at later stages, when treatment becomes more complex.

The UAE has taken significant steps to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination was introduced into the national immunisation program in 2018, initially targeting adolescent girls and later expanding to include boys. This reflects a long-term commitment to reducing HPV transmission and protecting future generations.

In addition, national and emirate level health authorities regularly conduct awareness campaigns, particularly during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, to educate women about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of screening. Public and private healthcare facilities across the country offer Pap smear and HPV testing services, often at subsidised rates or as part of routine health check-ups.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease with well established methods for early detection and effective treatment. While the global burden remains high, especially in developing regions, countries like the UAE have made notable progress through vaccination, screening programs, and public health initiatives. Continued efforts to increase awareness, improve screening participation, and promote HPV vaccination are essential to further reduce incidence and mortality. With sustained commitment, cervical cancer has the potential to become a rare disease in the UAE, safeguarding the health and well being of women across the nation.

By Dr Dalia Aziz, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecologist at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP & NMC Royal Medical Centre, The Palm

Health

Countries With the Most Years in Poor Health

Many people are living longer—but not necessarily healthier—lives.

This visualization ranks countries by the number of years their citizens can expect to live in poor health, calculated as the gap between average life expectancy and health-adjusted life expectancy.

Skip to the second-last section for a full explanation of what health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) is, and why it matters.

HALE data (for the year 2021) is sourced from the World Bank, via Our World in Data. Average life expectancy is from 2025 estimates UN World Population Prospects.

Together they reveal how disease, disability, and chronic conditions shape the quality—not just the quantity—of our lives.

The Difference Between Living Longer and Living Healthier

Oil wealth appears genuinely toxic to health outcomes.

Nearly every Middle Eastern petrostate (Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait) appears in this worst-performers list.

Bahrain (17.4 years), Oman (17.3), Qatar (16.5), and the UAE (15.9) all post sizable gaps despite having robust health-care budgets.

The lifestyle changes that come with sudden wealth, like sedentary living, processed foods, air conditioning replacing physical activity, seem to create a specific pattern of prolonged morbidity.

The U.S. makes the top 10 as well, the only G7 economy to do. Americans are projected to spend 15.7 of 79.6 expected years in poor health.

Also worth noting is the average life expectancy at birth for all of these aforementioned countries is fairly high. Which means these countries are good at keeping people alive with advanced medical technology.

But they may be failing at keeping them healthy, as if they’ve optimized for extending life rather than living well.

Life Expectancies in Low-Income Countries

s everal sub-Saharan African nations, including Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia, also record gaps above 14 years.

Unlike the richer Gulf countries, they face this burden alongside much shorter life expectancies, meaning fewer total healthy years.

Latin American countries such as Peru and Brazil post similar gaps, reflecting both higher infant mortalities and higher disease burdens.

These patterns highlight a central challenge for global health: boosting not only how long people live, but how long they live well.

What is HALE (Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy)?

HALE measures how many years a person can expect to live in good health, defined as free from disabling illness or injury.

HALE matters because it fundamentally reframes what we mean by a “successful” life and healthcare system.

Traditional life expectancy tells us how long people live, but HALE tells us how long they live well.

Those “unhealthy years” are extraordinarily expensive. The U.S. healthcare system’s poor HALE performance means they’re essentially running a massive, costly life-support operation for millions of people.

Countries with better HALE ratios spend less on healthcare while achieving better outcomes because they’re preventing problems rather than managing chronic decline.

Source: Ranked

Health

With Exceptional Leadership, Saudi German Health Opens 2026 by Shaping the Future of Healthcare in the UAE

Influential healthcare leadership unites to launch a new year of transformation, collaboration, and human-centred care

Dubai – 16 January 2026

Saudi German Health opened 2026 with a strong statement of leadership by hosting the Multidimensional Community Health Conference in Dubai, reaffirming its role in shaping the future of healthcare across the United Arab Emirates. Held at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the high-level gathering brought together senior decision-makers from regulatory bodies, healthcare operations, and the insurance sector to align on a shared vision for the year ahead.

More than a conventional conference, the event functioned as a strategic forum where leaders moved beyond institutional silos to explore how healthcare delivery can become more integrated, accessible, and personal for patients and families across the UAE.

A Philosophy in Action: Caring Like Family

Rooted in Saudi German Health’s long-standing philosophy, Caring Like Family, discussions throughout the day placed human experience at the centre of healthcare transformation, emphasizing trust, empathy, and continuity of care.

Opening the event, Dr. Ahmed Eissa, Group CEO of Saudi German Health in the UAE, underscored that innovation in healthcare must translate into meaningful outcomes for people.

“At Saudi German Health, we believe that clinical excellence is inseparable from human compassion. This gathering is not just about sharing data or expertise; it is about aligning our efforts to build a healthcare system that is stronger, more transparent, and easier to navigate for every family in the UAE. When we work as one ecosystem, we ensure that the future of medicine remains human at its core.”

Connecting Data, Insurance, and Patient Care

As the UAE advances toward value-based healthcare, the conference examined the evolution of digital health infrastructure, operational efficiency, and modern insurance models that support patient-centred outcomes.

Providing a clinical and operational perspective, Dr. Ahmed Barakat, Hospital Director of Saudi German Hospital Dubai, highlighted how integrated systems directly enhance the patient journey.

“Integrated care is about making complexity invisible to the patient,” said Dr. Barakat. “When data flows seamlessly and teams collaborate across disciplines, efficiency improves—but more importantly, patients experience smoother, safer, and more reassuring care at every stage of their journey.”

Discussions also addressed insurance modernization, emphasizing how data-driven decision-making is strengthening transparency and collaboration between providers and payers.

Setting the Healthcare Roadmap for 2026

With the UAE progressing toward a fully integrated, digitally enabled healthcare model, the conference served as a timely checkpoint for shaping priorities in 2026. Key themes included expanding national digital health platforms to give clinicians a comprehensive view of patient history, optimizing payment and operational systems to reduce fragmentation, and shifting focus toward prevention, wellness, and patient empowerment.

By convening leading healthcare voices at the start of the year, Saudi German Health set a clear direction for the months ahead—one defined by collaboration, innovation, and a deeply human approach to care.

For more information, please visit:

🔗 www.saudigermanhealth.com