RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health said that seasonal influenza causes many complications, the most serious of which are pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infection, blood poisoning and death. It noted that symptoms of seasonal influenza include shivering, sweating, high temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, persistent cough, dehydration and a runny nose. The Ministry of Health on Monday launched an awareness campaign to encourage vaccination against seasonal influenza, targeting groups most affected by it, such as the elderly, people with chronic diseases or immunodeficiency, pregnant women and healthcare workers. The ministry stressed that vaccination is safe, does not have significant side effects and has been proven to be effective for many years across the world. It indicated that the disease can be prevented by taking the vaccine, wearing a mask, washing hands well, avoiding direct eye and mouth contact, using tissues when sneezing or coughing and maintaining general cleanliness. Through this campaign, the Ministry of Health seeks to increase the number of vaccinated persons and reduce the rate of infections and hospitalizations due to seasonal influenza.