Helena Farouk
Cairo University, Egypt
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Health Edu Res Dev
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric respiratory infections have exhibited significant changes in prevalence, seasonality, and clinical severity. Dr. Helena Farouk from Cairo presents a data-driven analysis of how viruses such as RSV, influenza, parainfluenza, and rhinovirus have evolved in circulation patterns due to altered immunity and public health interventions. She explores the rebound of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in off-peak seasons and discusses diagnostic and management challenges, particularly in infants and immunocompromised children. Emphasis is placed on updated guidelines for outpatient and inpatient management, including antiviral therapies, oxygenation strategies, and the implications of co-infections. This session provides clinicians with a refreshed perspective on respiratory illness trends, enabling more accurate diagnosis and resource planning in the post-pandemic era.
Helena Farouk is a pediatric infectious disease specialist and lecturer at Cairo University. She obtained her medical degree from Ain Shams University and completed her fellowship at the University of Liverpool in infectious disease epidemiology. She leads the Pediatric Respiratory Surveillance Unit in Egypt and contributes to WHO regional policy on respiratory viral illness control.