Not feeling well after New Year’s Eve celebration? Stay home, say doctors in UAE

Dubai - Ahead of NYE, a top government official reminded families to do periodic health checks, especially after attending official celebrations.

Doctors in the UAE have advised at least two weeks of home isolation for those who are feeling Covid-like symptoms after the New Year’s Eve (NYE) festivities. This particularly applies to revellers who celebrated outdoors or at private parties.

Ahead of NYE, a top government official reminded families to do periodic health checks, especially after attending official celebrations.

Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesperson of the NCEMA, said this health monitoring should also include house helpers.

Taking such precautions — along with the rest of the safety measures in place — would prevent possible spread of Covid-19. Doctors agree that the public must remain vigilant and keep their health in check. Flu-like symptoms, they said, should prompt one to get tested for Covid-19.

Dr Jimmy Joseph, internal medicine specialist and diabetologist at Aster Specialty Medical Centre at International City, said “symptoms may appear two to 14 days after any exposure to the virus”.

“Covid-19 symptoms are varied. However, these are the few common symptoms: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and fatigue to name a few.”

He added: “Even if you are vaccinated for Covid 19, it takes at least two months for proper antibody development and protection. Continue all precautions at all times as advised by MoHAP.”

Dr Lekha Kapoor, ENT specialist at Medcare Hospital in Sharjah, said: “This year, with the various restrictions in place, a number of new year parties were held in closed spaces.

“With many people being in the same enclosed space for a long time, it is easier for various respiratory disease to spread, so we need to watch out for symptoms of feeling very tired, feverish, join and body pains with sore throat, runny or blocked nose, coughing or breathing difficulties.”

Some symptoms to look out for

>Muscle or body aches

>Headache

>New loss of taste or smell

>Sore throat

>Congestion or runny nose

>Nausea or vomiting

>Diarrhoea

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com