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Review
. 2025 Sep;11(3):405-421.
doi: 10.1007/s41030-025-00304-3. Epub 2025 Jul 19.

Strategies for the Prevention and Management of Respiratory Infections in Patients at High Risk in the UAE: A Cross-Disciplinary Position Paper

Abdullah Shehab  1 , Huda Al Dhanhani  2 , Omar Alhammadi  3 , Mohamed Badi Hassan  4 , Mohamed Farghaly  5 , Ahmed Hassoun  6 , Bassam Mahboub  7 , Mona Tahlak  8 , Reem Faisal Abutayeh  9 , Hammam Haridy  9 , Ashraf Hassanien  10 , Jean Joury  9 , Humaid O Al-Shamsi  11   12   13   14   15   16
Affiliations
Review

Strategies for the Prevention and Management of Respiratory Infections in Patients at High Risk in the UAE: A Cross-Disciplinary Position Paper

Abdullah Shehab et al. Pulm Ther. 2025 Sep.

Abstract

Respiratory infections are a major cause of mortality among young children and adults, particularly the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions. Many respiratory infections, including influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), have available vaccines and antiviral agents. However, vaccine coverage rates remain low. Experts representing a broad spectrum of medical specialties from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made evidence-based recommendations on treating patients considered high risk for respiratory infections, highlighting gaps in current practices and suggesting strategies for improved communication between healthcare professionals and patients. To effectively manage respiratory infections, the experts emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines, considering all vaccines and antiviral treatments, and strictly following vaccination schedules. Early testing upon recognition of symptoms was also encouraged. Improving vaccine uptake was considered crucial and could be achieved by educating patients about disease prevention through vaccines and the role of antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Addressing knowledge gaps and combating vaccine hesitancy among both patients and healthcare professionals were also essential steps. Recommendations for future initiatives include healthcare professionals educating the public on precautionary measures to reduce the spread of respiratory infections. Additionally, the experts agreed that clinical management guidelines for chronic diseases should be updated to include preventative strategies such as vaccines, prophylaxis, and counselling. Monitoring the performance of healthcare facilities using key performance indicators is also recommended to ensure effective management and continuous improvement of vaccination programs. Patient populations in the UAE who are considered at high risk of serious disease from respiratory infections have diverse medical needs and may access healthcare across a wide range of settings and specialisms. Therefore, it is vital that all healthcare professionals across specialisms who may engage with these individuals are able to provide appropriate advice on managing the risk through vaccination, prompt testing, and treatments as needed.

Keywords: Antiviral agents; COVID-19; Influenza; Management; Pneumococcal infections; Prevention; Respiratory syncytial virus; Vaccines.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflicts of Interest: Ahmed Hassoun received payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers’ bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from EVA Pharma, and received support for attending meetings and/or travel from AstraZeneca and VIATRIS. Reem Faisal Abutayeh, Hammam Haridy, Ashraf Hassanien, and Jean Joury are Pfizer employees and may hold stock or stock options. Abdullah Shehab, Huda Al Dhanhani, Omar Alhammadi, Mohamed Badi Hassan, Mohamed Farghaly, Bassam Mahboub, Mona Tahlak, and Humaid O. Al-Shamsi have nothing to disclose. Ethical Approval: This article is based on previously conducted studies and does not contain any new studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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