RIYADH — The Health Ministry has explained the reality of what was rumored during these days about the spread of a new virus. In a statement, the ministry said that there is a large group of respiratory viruses that cause flu, and there are currently a group of them similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza, but with less severity. In another statement, the ministry revealed the presence of more than 20 types of viruses that cause flu, most notably: 1 - Rhinovirus, the virus that is considered as the most common, which is also known to spread usually in the spring and fall seasons. 2 - The human parainfluenza virus, this virus is present throughout the year and causes symptoms very similar to the symptoms of regular influenza, and there are 4 species of it, one of which spreads at the beginning of the summer season. 3 - The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This virus is also considered among the viruses that cause flu, and is known to usually infect younger people. The virus is present in most months of the year, but globally the infection increases in the fall season. One of the symptoms of the RSV is that it causes symptoms similar to those of asthma, and in some cases, it may require admission to the hospital and to remain under observation. The ministry said that there is no special treatment for flu, but patients can take analgesic drug and fever-reducing medications after consulting a doctor.
