UAE doctors prepared for potential spike in flu cases as summer break comes to an end

UAE doctors prepared for potential spike in flu cases as summer break comes to an end

In many cases, bed rest, intake of more fluids, warm drinks, vitamin C, and eating healthy food are enough to prevent common diseases

Published: Sat 19 Aug 2023, 5:28 PM

With the return of vacationing residents, change in weather, and shift from a relaxed summer break to more hectic daily routines, UAE doctors say there is a potential surge in various health concerns.

These include the rise in flu cases, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and other common illnesses.

Although exact figures are hard to predict, healthcare professional said they are attuned to the seasonal spike in health concerns.

Dr. Nuran Danaci, family medicine specialist at Canadian Specialist Hospital in Dubai, spoke with Khaleej Times. “There are two reasons for the increase in common illnesses such as flu or diarrhea after summer vacation. First is the increase in population (with the return of residents from abroad) as most of the common diseases spread through droplets or direct physical contact, especially in shared places like schools or offices. Second, is due to seasonal change as it triggers allergies and it can cause a predisposition for infectious diseases. Also, the weather gets colder and drier which can lead to common illnesses.”

“Common illnesses that we expect are flu, common cold,