Battling changing weather, and flu

Dubai - Friday's freak weather has left many a runny nose.

While the UAE was battling all the elements on Friday including, wind, rain, sleet and snow, residents across Dubai were feeling the wrath of Mother Nature on Saturday, with many battling coughs, colds and sore throats.
Friday's freak weather, which made headlines across the country, may have settled back to normality within 24 hours, but it has left many a runny nose.
The sudden change in weather has brought on a bout of illness, but doctors here have assured that it is nothing out of the ordinary.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Muhammad Idrees Hafiz, specialist family physician and medical director at Al Tadawi Medical Centre in Dubai, said he has witnessed a "30 per cent increase in patients" over the weekend.
"Adult patients have been presenting more than children. They have been complaining of sore throat, simple flu-like symptoms and laryngitis."
Despite this increase in patient numbers, Dr Hafiz said the numbers are "quite normal" and this is always expected with the change in weather.
With the strong winds and the upthrow of sand causing the most aggravation to residents, Dr Zaid Mohammed Al Saadi, general practitioner at Medcare Hospital's emergency department, said the "very significant" change in temperature always leaves people more prone to flu.
"We too have seen an increase in patients coming to us this weekend, especially those complaining of upper respiratory tract infections."
He said residents need to take simple precautions, and in most cases there will be no need for medication.
"Keep warm, but don't overheat as that will create sweat and make you more prone to illness. Avoid cold drinks and ice cream, and try to take warm fluids and food that is rich in Vitamin C to increase immunity."
When asked what further preventative measures people can take to avoid falling ill at this time, Dr Hafiz said dietary intake will prove fruitful.
"For flu, the most important thing is building immunity. You need to strengthen it so you can fight the virus. Take natural vitamin C products like honey, oranges, ginger tea and lemon juices. Hand washing and keeping a distance of coughing is also necessary."
Residents react to cold-front
Dubai resident Sanz Sameer said although she tried to avoid open spaces on Friday, she did leave the house, but ever since her son has developed a runny nose.
"He has a slight cough too. I think the sand was too much for him, but we all faced blocked noses when we were outside. It's better now though," she said.
And for Hena Khan, it was a dry cough for her and a stuffy nose for her little one.
"We did go out twice yesterday, once for a drive and then for dinner so I think it was the wind and the sand exposure that affected us."
Feeling alien to such cold weather in Dubai, another resident, Saleha Abdullah also felt the backlash.
"We are not used to cold weather here. It was too windy and the sand caused irritation. We went out, but not for long. My husband and daughter now have runny noses and cough," she added.
What doctors suggest
> Keep warm, but do not overheat
> Avoid cold drinks and ice cream
> Try to take warm fluids and food that is rich in Vitamin C
> Build immunity through taking natural Vitamin C products
> Wash your hands regularly
> Keep away from coughing
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai