UAE: Are new viruses reason for spike in common cold, flu this season?

UAE: Are new viruses reason for spike in common cold, flu this season?

Weather changes not to blame for people falling ill, but it can predispose one to getting sick

Published: Thu 5 May 2022, 4:38 PM

Many people in the UAE have been falling sick in recent weeks, contracting cold and flu due to nascent encounters with unknown viruses, doctors reveal.

Medics also said weather change by itself is not to blame for people falling ill, but it can predispose one to getting sick.

Dr Maria Clarissa Sagun, general practitioner, Prime Medical Center - Barsha Heights, says: “A lot of people find that they keep getting ill nowadays. It is believed that this is a result of first encounters with new viruses and the body’s immune response. Determining the cause of the illness is a bit difficult as Covid-19, flu, colds, and allergies may have overlapping signs and symptoms.

“Prevention is still the best cure. Measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 can also prevent the spread of flu and cold. Wearing masks, avoiding close contact with the sick, vaccination, and frequent washing of hands are key to avoid contracting illnesses.”

Dr Ponnusamy Tamilvendan, specialist internal medicine, Medeor Hospital, Dubai, said: “There are different kinds of viral infections out of which Influenza A and B are more virulent