If you have a runny nose, fever or simply tired, don't ignore! As summer transitions into winter around October in UAE, high incidence of Influenza is reported in the region.

Doctors in the country are witnessing an increase in the number of respiratory infections from the beginning of October.  

Dr Jimmy Joseph, Specialist, Internal Medicine, Universal Hospital shares that during the winters, the risk of respiratory infections, on an average, increase by 20 to 30 per cent.

Aster Clinic agrees with the pattern and adds that more patients are pouring in to get their leave forms for schools and offices with usual cases of Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Sinusitis, and Influenza.

Take flu vaccine before winter starts in UAE, advise doctors

Influenza is, undoubtedly, a growing concern in the region. "Last week, I had around seven confirmed cases of Influenza A. Out of the OPD patients I consult everyday, 60 to 70 per cent suffer from respiratory illness. Common cases include either upper respiratory infections like Sinusitis, Laryngitis, severe sore throat, or lower respiratory infections like Bronchitis or Pneumonia," adds Dr Joseph.

Health experts advice residents with underlying issues like asthma, COPD to take flu shots before the winter starts as there is an increase in Influenza and parainfluenza virus. Exposure to wind and dust worsens the respiratory infections and the majority of swab tests turn out to be Influenza A, they note.

Source: Khaleej Times