Winter is here, and so are diseases
dubai — Respiratory illnesses rise by 20 to 30 per cent in winter with mostly children being affected since they are still developing their immunity, according to doctors from Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
“A link between an increase in number of patients with decrease in temperatures has always been there and now research points out that this is due to inhalation of cold air which leads to reduction in nasal temperature,” said Dr Bassam Mahboob, head of respiratory department at Rashid Hospital and head of Emirates Respiratory and Allergy society.
“During the winter months, there is also an increase in the number of viruses and a general drop in immunity, which leads to a peak in respiratory illness, especially upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTIs) such as influenza, common cold, bronchitis etc. People with allergies also find that symptoms are aggravated in the cold season,” he said.
Dr Mahboob said in Dubai, the flu season is typically from December to February, although the increase in patients can be witnessed from mid-November.
He advised people at high risk to consult their doctor on whether they need a flu shot or not.
Dr Mahboob said that children are particularly susceptible to get URTIs due to lower immunity. Children prone to getting recurrent infections should opt for the flu vaccine. “Parents should also ensure children get adequate sleep, eat healthy foods and they should limit sugars and unhealthy fats to the maximum extent possible because these foods lower the immunity,”
Good hygiene practices include proper hand washing techniques and covering your mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing Ali Al Rahma, health educator in DHA’s Primary Healthcare Sector
he said. For Vitamin C, it’s best to stick to natural sources such a lemon, oranges, kiwi and other healthy foods. “Parents should also check the iron levels of children who get recurrent colds because they may be anaemic. Once the iron levels are normal, the number of times a child catches a cold drastically reduces.”
Stay at home
Ali Al Rahma, health educator in DHA’s Primary Healthcare Sector, added that parents should not send their sick children to school. They should ensure that the child is fever-free for 24 hours and the child has fully recovered from cold and cough before sending to school.
“Viruses spread rapidly through a school environment. Commonsense and good hygiene may prevent the passing on of most viruses and bacteria that cause URTIs. Good hygiene practices include proper hand washing techniques and covering your mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing.”
Shaima Qayed, clinical dietician at Nad Al Hammar Health Centre, said: “People should consume foods rich in vitamin C and zinc and flavour it with immunity boosting foods such as ginger, cinnamon, garlic and turmeric. In winter, it’s best to have warming foods such as soups that contain protein and plenty of vegetables.”
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com