The Continuing Education Unit at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Baghdad, organized a specialized scientific workshop entitled “Influenza and the Common Cold: Two Sides of the Same Coin,” presented by Dr. Safad Riad Essam with the active participation of faculty, staff, and students of the college, with the aim of highlighting the viral strains that cause these diseases and correcting common misconceptions related to diagnosis and treatment mechanisms.
The workshop aimed to provide a comprehensive explanation of the subtle differences between colds and influenza, focusing on the sudden onset of symptoms in cases of influenza versus the gradual onset in colds, as well as emphasizing the critical importance of annual vaccination and the need for scientific differentiation between the use of antiviral treatments and antibiotics to ensure an effective therapeutic response.
This workshop is part of the college’s ambitious plan to develop scientific skills and spread preventive health awareness within the academic community, ensuring the preparation of staff who are knowledgeable about the fundamentals of proper healthcare. This initiative directly contributes to the university’s pursuit of sustainable development goals, foremost among which is Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through combating viral diseases and spreading awareness, and Goal 4 (Quality Education) through continuing
medical and nursing education programs.
