Hygiene is best preventive measure against COVID-19
Two new patients test positive for coronavirus in the UAE, confirms Mohap
dubai — Residents should not drop their guard, and everyone must stick to strict hygiene routine to protect themselves from the new coronavirus — now known as COVID-19 — health authorities and experts have said in light of the new cases of infection detected in the UAE.
A 70-year-old Iranian tourist and his 64-year-old wife are the newest patients who tested positive. On Friday, a Filipino citizen, 34, and a Bangladeshi national, 39, were also diagnosed, raising the total number of cases in the UAE to 13, with three having made a full recovery.
“Prevention is the most important thing now. People should take all precautionary measures to avoid contracting the virus,” said Dr Mustafa Saif, internal medicine specialist and head of emergency at Aster Hospital, Mankhool.
“Personal hygiene is very important,” said Dr Saif.
Dr Leena Kapoor, an internal medicine specialist at Prime Medical Centre, agreed that residents should be on high alert and follow guidelines issued by health authorities.
“Drastic containment measures taken by many countries have shown some positive results in reducing spread of this deadly virus,” Dr Kapoor said.
Staying up to date with the latest development, sticking to strict hygiene protocol — including frequent, proper handwashing — and keeping calm would go a long way, she added.
Life goes on after the virus
Despite the detection of new cases, it is important to note most patients do recover from the disease. In fact, the World Health Organisation recently said more than 80 per cent of patients have mild disease and are expected to recover.
In the UAE, three patients have completely recovered. And according to doctors, patients can go on to lead regular, healthy lives after beating the disease.
Dr Saheer Sainalabdeen, a pulmonologist and respiratory medicine, Medeor Hospital Dubai, previously told KT that COVID-19 is like any other viral disease.
“Recovery of the patient depends on their immunity and general condition. Once the body develops the antibodies to fight it, the infection takes its natural course,” he said.
“Once the virus exits the body, the patient needs to take adequate rest, avoid crowded places, consume fresh fruits and vegetables and maintain general handwashing protocols.”
Treatment is free
Residents who suspect an infection should not take time in approaching healthcare professionals, the doctors said.
Dr Kapoor said: “If you or any of your contacts travelled recently, especially from China, or have been in close contact with a suspected case of COVID-19, complaining of fever or acute respiratory illness, it is best to report immediately to a healthcare facility for further evaluation.
“Laboratory testing would be done at the National Public Health Laboratory and treatment will be initiated accordingly. Early diagnosis will help in restricting the spread of the virus,” said Dr Kapoor.
Treatment in the UAE is free for those who have been infected and those who are suspected patients — with or without insurance coverage.
According to a Dubai Health Authority circular issued to hospitals — and based on directives from Mohap — all DHA-licensed health facilities must consider suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 as emergency cases.
Prevention is the most important thing now. People should take all precautionary measures to avoid contracting the virus.”
Dr Mustafa Saif, Internal medicine specialist and head of emergency, Aster Hospital, Mankhool
If you or any of your contacts travelled recently, especially from China, or have been in close contact with a suspected case of COVID-19, report immediately to a healthcare facility.” Dr Leena Kapoor, Internal medicine specialist, Prime Medical Centre