Doctors in the UAE are witnessing a significant increase in patient footfall, attributing it to the recent rapid changes in temperature compared to the previous month. In the final week of January and the early days of February, temperatures dropped to a chilly 5°C in some UAE regions, accompanied by heavy to moderate showers and strong winds.
According to a Khaleej Times report, the fluctuating weather conditions have led residents to hold on tightly to their warm clothing, but they are also experiencing a rise in respiratory infections such as the flu and the common cold, resulting in fever. Seasonal allergies are also being triggered due to the vagaries of the weather.
Symptoms observed in patients include coughing, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and high-grade fever in both children and adults. Dr. Fatma Elzahra, Specialist Pediatrician at Thumbay University Hospital, emphasized the importance of seeking professional medical advice early on during this peak flu season in the UAE, which lasts from October to February. She noted that various viruses and bacteria, including Influenza A or B, Adenovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus, can cause high-grade fevers resembling the flu.
Doctors pointed out that these fevers are primarily caused by respiratory infections, often viral but sometimes bacterial, such as ear infections, sinus issues, or urinary tract infections. Additionally, airborne allergens, including those from air conditioning units, are contributing to the rising number of cases.
Dr. Joseph K. Joseph, Internal Medicine Specialist at Zulekha Hospitals in Dubai, highlighted the impact of frequent temperature fluctuations on the body’s immune system and mentioned factors like pollution, dust exposure during activities like desert safaris, and poorly maintained air conditioning units as contributing factors to the increase in fever and cough cases.
Healthcare professionals recommend prompt treatment for patients with mild fever, especially within the first two to three days of the ailment. Delayed treatment can lead to the severity of the illness. In many cases, viral infections account for 30-40% of cases and are often Influenza A or B.
Due to weather changes, children are reporting high fever with temperatures exceeding 38°C. Dr. Doaa Fathy, Specialist Pediatrician at Prime Medical Center in Sharjah, pointed out that high fever can result from various viral and bacterial causes, such as cold, flu, tonsillitis, ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Parents are advised to be vigilant and seek medical attention if a child has a persistent fever above 40°C that does not respond to treatment.
In adults, monitoring children for symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, unresponsiveness, abnormal movements, and difficulty breathing is crucial. Dr. Syed Adnan Munaf, Consultant Pediatrics at Saudi German Hospital Dubai, advised that most of these illnesses are self-limiting and not usually a cause for concern. However, if the fever persists beyond five days, parents should seek medical attention.